Classic Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

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🧀 Classic Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

📝 Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tbsp (½ stick) butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk (or 2 cups milk + 1 cup cream for extra richness)
  • 3 cups shredded cheese (use a mix for best flavor):
    • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar
    • 1 cup mozzarella or Monterey Jack
    • ½ cup Gruyère, Gouda, or extra cheddar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • ½ tsp mustard powder or 1 tsp Dijon (optional but recommended)

Optional Topping (for baked version)

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • ½ cup extra shredded cheese

🔪 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the 1 lb elbow macaroni until just shy of al dente (it will continue cooking in the sauce).
  3. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce (Roux Method)

  1. In a large pot or deep skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in 4 tbsp flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux (light golden, not brown).
  3. Slowly whisk in the 3 cups milk, making sure no lumps remain.
  4. Continue cooking 3–5 minutes until thickened enough to coat a spoon.
  5. Reduce heat to low and add the cheeses gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard.

3. Combine

  • Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
  • At this point, you can serve it as is (stovetop mac and cheese — super creamy!)
    OR continue to the baked version:

🔥 Optional: Baked Mac and Cheese

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Pour mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.
  3. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
  4. Add extra cheese if desired.
  5. Bake 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

⭐ Tips for Perfect Mac & Cheese

  • Shred your own cheese — melts smoother than pre-shredded.
  • Don’t overcook pasta — it will soften more in the sauce.
  • Add-ins: crispy bacon, sautéed onions, jalapeños, lobster, broccoli, pulled pork.
  • Extra creamy? Add 4 oz cream cheese to the sauce.

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