Who doesn’t love a rich, velvety, comforting plate of mac and cheese? Particularly when it is glazed with a buttery crisp that gives each portion an enjoyable crunch. Time to stop buying boxes and make your own homemade version which will soon become the family hit. Believe me; once you try preparing macaroni and cheese from scratch, you’ll never go back.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 45 mins

Total Time: 55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Macaroni and Cheese:

• 8 ounces of uncooked elbow macaroni

• ¼ cup unsalted butter

• 3 tablespoons plain flour

• 2 ½ cups whole milk or more as needed

• 2 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and ground black pepper to taste (Optional)

Bread Crumb Topping:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ½ cup bread crumbs

• A dash of paprika

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. The temperature of your oven should be at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) while greasing an 8-inch square baking dish for the “mac n cheesing” process.

Step 2: Cook the Macaroni

2. In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil. Then add macaroni and cook until tender yet firm to bite stirring occasionally for about eight minutes. Put pasta in the prepared baking dish without minding if it is slightly undercooked because it will finish cooking in the oven.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

3. Meantime melt one-quarter cup of butter on low heat on a medium skillet while whisking flour into it until the mixture becomes pasty and light golden brown which is roux used as the basis for creamy cheese sauce.
4. Continue whisking in 2 ½ cups of milk gradually bringing it to a simmer. Add Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses together with salt and pepper. Stir and cook over low heat until cheese melts and sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add up to ½ cup more milk. Pour cheese sauce carefully over macaroni and stir well.

Step 4: Make the Bread Crumb Topping

5. Meanwhile melt two tablespoons of butter on medium skillet; add bread crumbs turning them frequently till they are browned all over. Top the macaroni and cheese in baking dish with bread crumbs then sprinkle paprika for color plus a little zing.

Step 5: Bake

6. Bake uncovered at preheated oven until top is golden brown and macaroni is bubbly around edges, which takes approximately 30 minutes.

Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese

The recipe uses sharp Cheddar mixed with Parmesan which gives a tangy flavor to this dish while cheddar makes it smooth. Feel free to use gruyere, monterey jack or gouda instead of parmesan if you prefer another kind of cheese but still make this recipe your own way.

What Can Go with Mac and Cheese?

Mac and cheese is versatile and can be used as either a side dish or a main course. If you are serving it alone:

• Chicken Breast: You could serve lemon garlic roasted chicken breast along with macaroni.

• French Bread: Perfect for sopping up any extra cheese sauce.

• Classic Restaurant Caesar Salad: While tangy dressing will balance the richness of the pasta, crispy lettuce will do so too.

If Mac and Cheese is served on its own, these foods fit in well:

• Crispy baked chicken thighs: Crunchy skin and juicy meat go well with creamy macaroni.

• Juiciest Hamburgers Ever: Because what’s better than burgers and mac?

• Easy Meatloaf: This comforting hearty combination is one of the best.

How to Heat Up Mac and Cheese

In case there are leftovers (very unlikely because it’s so good), leave them until they become completely cool before you take them to an air tight container. Additionally, you may store the same in a refrigerator for four days. Reheat by baking or microwaving, adding a small portion of milk to avoid any drying out.

Is It Possible to Freeze Mac n Cheese?

Yes! If you don’t plan on eating your mac n cheese within 4 days, go ahead freeze it. For freezing purposes, keep your left overs in zip-top freezer bags that would hold enough servings for your family. Cover each package using aluminum foil then place them flatly inside the freezer so that they remain there for six months minimum Thawing should occur overnight within your fridge prior to reheating again.

Tricks n’ Compliments

It is definitely my favorite meal at home however I make a slight change by substituting regular milk with almond milk while adding chicken hence making it a poultry casserole macaroni as usual. Some more Cheddar.

Yummy! I added a tsp of crushed garlic and a dash of chili powder. I added crushed saltines and cooked bacon. This is my new favorite recipe!

Final Comments

RELATED: The Best and Fastest Way To Cook Chicken Thighs

There you have it—a classic, creamy, and utterly delicious homemade mac and cheese that will make you forget all about the boxed stuff. Add your own twist or stick to the traditional recipe; either way, it will be a hit on your table. Enjoy cooking!