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The Best Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4 from 2 reviews

This Best Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy, and comforting classic dish made with elbow macaroni, a rich blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and a smooth homemade cheese sauce. It offers an option to enjoy it immediately or baked to golden perfection with a crunchy topping.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 16 oz elbow macaroni pasta (3 cups, uncooked)

Cheese

  • 16 oz cheddar cheese
  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese

Dairy and Sauce

  • 2 cups heavy cream (double cream) (or make a lighter version by reducing or replacing the cream with more milk)
  • 1.5 cups whole milk
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free AP blend)
  • 1/2 cup butter (1 stick / 8 Tbsp)

Seasoning

  • 1/2 Tbsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp mustard seed powder (optional - gives more cheesy flavor)

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water following package instructions but reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes to keep it al dente. This ensures the pasta won't become mushy once mixed with the cheese sauce.
  2. Prepare the Cheese: While the pasta water boils, shred the cheddar and mozzarella cheese and mix them together. Reserve 1-2 cups for topping if you plan to bake the mac and cheese.
  3. Make the Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted and hot, sift in the flour and whisk continuously for about a minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
  4. Form the Cheese Sauce: Gradually add the heavy cream and whole milk to the roux, whisking constantly to maintain a smooth texture. Cook until the sauce thickens, whisking frequently.
  5. Add Cheese and Season: Remove the pan from heat and add the shredded cheese in 2-3 batches, stirring gently between additions to avoid graininess. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and optional mustard seed powder. Adjust consistency by adding milk if too thick or simmering longer if too thin.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta well and toss it into the cheese sauce, stirring thoroughly to coat all the noodles evenly.
  7. Serve or Bake: You may serve the creamy mac and cheese immediately or proceed to bake it for a bubbly crust.
  8. Bake (Optional): Transfer the mac and cheese to an ovenproof baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top and optionally add dried breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Bake at 325ºF (160ºC) for about 15 minutes until the cheese melts, becomes bubbly, and slightly golden brown.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, reduce or replace heavy cream with additional milk.
  • Undercooking pasta slightly prevents mushiness after baking.
  • Mustard seed powder is optional but enhances the cheese flavor.
  • Adding breadcrumbs on top before baking adds a crunchy texture.
  • If the sauce thickens too much while resting, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/the-best-mac-and-cheese-recipe/