Description
This classic Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese recipe features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce made with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. It can be enjoyed as a comforting stovetop dish or baked to golden perfection with a buttery breadcrumb topping. Rich, flavorful, and perfect for family meals or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni and Cheese
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Topping (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste, forming a smooth roux.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring and cooking the sauce for 5-7 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Add cheeses and seasonings: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional paprika.
- Combine macaroni and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to fully coat the pasta with the creamy sauce.
- Optional baking step: For a baked version, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and transfer the mac and cheese mixture into it. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted tablespoon of butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
- Serve: Serve warm directly from the stovetop or oven. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy comfort food classic!
Notes
- For a creamier stovetop version, skip the baking step and serve immediately after combining macaroni and cheese sauce.
- Try mixing in other cheeses such as Gruyère or mozzarella for different flavor profiles and textures.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or mustard powder for a subtle spicy kick in the cheese sauce.
- Breadcrumb topping adds a nice crunch; omit for a softer texture.
- Use whole milk for best creaminess; 2% milk can be substituted for a lighter version.
