Mac and Cheese
The ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and perfectly rich homemade macaroni and cheese. Made with a velvety cheddar cheese sauce and optional crispy breadcrumb topping.
Prep
10 min
Cook
30 min
Servings
8
Calories
480
Difficulty
Easy
Cuisine
American
Ingredients
- • 1 lb elbow macaroni
- • 4 tablespoons butter
- • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- • 3 cups whole milk
- • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- • 1 cup gruyère cheese, shredded
- • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
- • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar, gruyère, mustard, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Fold in cooked macaroni until evenly coated. Pour into a greased 9x13 baking dish.
- Step 6: If desired, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
- Step 7: Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.