Mac-N-Cheese
Creamy, cheesy macaroni with a crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking a rich, flavorful dish with classic cheese blends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare elbow macaroni as package directs.
- Drain the cooked macaroni.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter.
- Stir in flour and salt.
- Blend in milk and cook, stirring until thickened.
- Mix together the shredded cheeses.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of cheese mixture.
- Add remaining cheese to the sauce and stir until melted.
- Mix in the cooked macaroni and parsley flakes.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with the reserved cheese and buttered bread crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes.
- Garnish if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or sour cream to the cheese sauce. If you're out of Colby cheese, you can substitute it with Gouda or Havarti for a different flavor profile. Don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning before adding the macaroni. For an extra kick, a dash of cayenne pepper can elevate the dish. This recipe is perfect for customizing with your favorite cheeses.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this mac-n-cheese hot, garnished with additional parsley flakes or crispy bacon bits for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal. For a comforting dessert, consider serving alongside Sherrill'S New England Peach Cobbler to round out your American recipes for a cozy dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover mac-n-cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to prevent drying out and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mac-N-Cheese contains roughly 753 calories, with 18g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1524mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use different pasta shapes like shells or penne if you prefer. Just ensure that the cooking time is adjusted according to the package instructions. The key is to use pasta that holds the cheese sauce well, so avoid very small or delicate shapes.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This mac-n-cheese recipe is already vegetarian, but ensure that all your cheese is rennet-free if you're following a strict vegetarian diet. You can also add vegetables like broccoli or spinach to enhance the nutrition and flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mac-n-cheese up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for a day. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. This makes it a great option for gatherings.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).