Description
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of Homemade Mac n Cheese. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, this classic dish is the ultimate comfort food for kids and adults alike. Made from scratch with simple ingredients, it’s far better than anything you’ll find in a box!
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Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or your favorite short pasta)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (whole milk or 2% works best)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (for a crunchy topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (to toss with breadcrumbs)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden (this is called a roux).
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded cheeses, one handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta, stirring until evenly coated.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Optional Step 4: Bake It (For Crunchy Topping)
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the mac n cheese to a greased baking dish.
- Toss breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Grate Your Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can be coated with anti-caking agents, which may affect how it melts. Freshly grated cheese melts much smoother.
- Use Multiple Cheeses: Combining cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a flavorful, creamy sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better when mixed with the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American