Best Mac And Cheese Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Best Mac and Cheese Recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for all occasions.
- Author: moretti
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pasta:
- 8 ounces (2 cups) elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape of your choice)
Cheese Sauce:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley (Chopped for garnish (optional). Or chives.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to make a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened. Stir in cheeses until melted. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce.
- Bake the Mac and Cheese: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with Parmesan cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve and Garnish: Let cool slightly, garnish with parsley or chives, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can customize the cheese blend to suit your taste preferences.
- Feel free to add breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy texture.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for a delicious next-day meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Baked Pasta, Cheesy Dish