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Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 83 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This classic Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe offers a creamy and cheesy comfort food experience with a crispy golden top. Made with a blend of sharp Cheddar and nutty Gruyere cheeses, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, it’s baked to bubbly perfection for a satisfying meal or side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 0.5 pound Elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 0.25 cup Butter
  • 0.25 cup All-purpose flour
  • 3 cups Whole milk
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 0.125 teaspoon Nutmeg, freshly grated (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Cook macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 7-8 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  3. Make roux: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden and fragrant, which forms the base roux for the sauce.
  4. Prepare cheese sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened to a creamy consistency.
  5. Add cheeses and seasoning: Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the shredded Cheddar and Gruyere cheeses until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg if using.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy cheese mixture.
  7. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for even baking.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Rest before serving: Allow the dish to stand for a few minutes after removing from the oven, which helps thicken the sauce and makes serving easier.

Notes

  • Use whole milk for the creamiest sauce, but 2% milk can be substituted with slightly less richness.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute half the butter with cream cheese or add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
  • Freshly grate cheeses for best melting and flavor; pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
  • Nutmeg is optional but adds a warm undertone that complements the cheese beautifully.
  • You can add breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crispier crust.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food, cheddar cheese recipe, Gruyere cheese

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Find it online: https://everydaytastes.com/homemade-mac-and-cheese-recipe/