Description
Creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe with rich cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and crispy bread crumbs. Comforting, crowd-pleasing, and oh-so-delicious!
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (450g) elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish
- ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (950ml) whole milk, warmed
- 2 cups (230g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup (115g) Gruyère cheese, freshly grated (essential for its melting properties)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds depth without tasting mustardy)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for subtle heat)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. While waiting, grate all your cheeses and set them aside at room temperature. Warming the milk in the microwave or in a separate saucepan until just warm (not hot) will help create a smoother sauce later.
- Step 2: Cook the Pasta Add the macaroni to the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes less than the package directs for al dente. You want the pasta to be noticeably underdone as it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it—the starchy exterior helps the sauce adhere better to each piece.
- Step 3: Create the Sauce Base Return the empty pasta pot to medium heat and add the 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and smells slightly nutty. Be careful not to brown the roux. This cooking process ensures you won’t taste raw flour in your finished Creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe.
- Step 4: Develop the Cheese Sauce Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking as the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pot from heat and let it cool for 2-3 minutes—this is crucial to prevent the cheese from separating.
- Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings Add the grated cheeses one handful at a time, stirring until completely melted before adding more. Stir in the Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed—remember that the cheese adds saltiness too.
- Step 6: Combine and Bake Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until every piece is thoroughly coated. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown. For an extra-crispy top, broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg