Your Basic Macaroni And Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting, macaroni and cheese is a timeless dish that appeals to all ages. With its rich blend of sharp cheddar and a variety of other cheeses, it's perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Add a crunchy topping for an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/4 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 4 c. milk, preheated ⓘ
- 1 tsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- pinch of ground red pepper ⓘ
- 1 lb. elbow macaroni
- 1/2 lb. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 total torn cheeses mixture (American, Muenster, Swiss, etc.) ⓘ
- grated Parmesan/Romano cheese ⓘ
- Italian-seasoned bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large saucepan; stir in flour until smooth. Cook over low heat, stirring, for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in hot milk until smooth.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture boils.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until thick and smooth.
- Season with mustard, salt and red pepper.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra creamy texture, consider adding a splash of cream or sour cream to the cheese sauce. If you're out of sharp Cheddar, any good melting cheese will do, such as Gruyère or Fontina. To enhance flavor, try adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or a dash of Worcestershire sauce. This recipe is a perfect base for inventing your own variations, like incorporating vegetables or proteins.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your macaroni and cheese with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Italian-seasoned bread crumbs on top for added crunch. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh side like Christmas Salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting dinner, consider serving it alongside Michael'S Favorite Meat Loaf.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Your Basic Macaroni And Cheese contains roughly 797 calories, with 30g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (59% of the Daily Value), iron (43% of the Daily Value), and calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 759mg per serving (33% 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 make this macaroni and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Combine them and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, reheat gently and consider adding a little extra cheese on top before baking for a bubbly finish.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the mac and cheese?
You can enhance the flavor by adding ingredients such as cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or different types of cheese. For a spicy kick, consider mixing in jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Herbs like parsley or chives can also brighten the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! This macaroni and cheese is inherently vegetarian if you use vegetarian cheese and ensure no meat products are involved. You can also add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to make it heartier while still keeping it aligned with vegetarian recipes.
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).