Ultimate Homemade Mac and Cheese

A close-up of a baked mac and cheese dish with a spoon lifting a portion, showcasing creamy pasta and a golden crust.

This homemade Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Creamy, cheesy, and rich with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping, it's so easy to make and packed with flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for more. This dish will be a new family favorite!

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 20

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: mac and cheese

Servings:

Calories: 745kcal

Author: Mandy Applegate

Ingredients

¼ cup butter divided
2 ½ cups elbow pasta
1 garlic clove minced
2 tablespoons mustard
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 ½ cups mature cheddar grated
¼ cup Parmesan grated
2 tablespoons bread crumbs

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Make the pasta according to package directions, drain, and reserve.
2 ½ cups elbow pasta
In a non-stick skillet, melt half of the butter and add the garlic. Cook for a couple of minutes, just until fragrant.
¼ cup butter, 1 garlic clove
Add the mustard and flour and mix until creamy to form a roux.
2 tablespoons mustard, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Add the milk, cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese.
2 cups whole milk, 1 ½ cups mature cheddar, ¼ cup Parmesan grated
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir with a wooden spoon, until the sauce is creamy and all cheese has melted.
Add the cooked pasta and mix well.
Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350°F). Transfer the pasta to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
2 tablespoons bread crumbs
Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Cheese: Use a combination of cheeses like sharp cheddar, gruyere, mozzarella, and Monterey jack for a rich flavor.

Pre-Shredded Cheese: Avoid using pre-shredded cheese as it contains additives that can affect the sauce’s creaminess. Grating your own is cheaper too!

Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, mix the breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter before sprinkling on top.

Stovetop Option: For a quicker version, skip the baking and serve the mac and cheese directly from the stovetop. You can also skip the breadcrumbs in this version.

Gluten-Free: You can substitute gluten-free pasta and gluten-free all-purpose flour to make this dish gluten-free.

Thicker Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce or add a bit more cheese to thicken it.

Add Meat: Adding bacon, ham, or chicken can make it a heartier meal. Just make sure it is cooked before mixing it in with the cheese sauce and pasta.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container after they have cooled to room temperature. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180ºC (350°F) until warmed through, or in the microwave, stirring halfway through.

Freezing: Mac and cheese can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Portion Control: Store in individual portions for quick and easy reheating.

Nutrition