Description
Homemade mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining gooey melted cheese with perfectly cooked pasta for a dish that feels like a warm hug. This easy recipe features sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella, creating an indulgent flavor profile that’s customizable for any occasion. Ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this crowd-pleaser is sure to impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth and slightly golden (about 2 minutes).
- Add milk: Gradually whisk in milk until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Mix in cheese: Remove from heat, stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Combine: Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Bake (optional): Transfer to a baking dish, top with panko bread crumbs mixed with melted butter, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For added flavor, experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack. You can also mix in vegetables like broccoli or proteins such as crispy bacon.