Ultimate Mac & Cheese Recipe
A rich, creamy, and cheesy dish with a crispy topping, perfect for comfort food lovers!
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 1 lb (16 oz) elbow macaroni (or any pasta of choice)
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, gouda, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Topping (Optional, for Baked Version):
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or parmesan)
Construction (Step-by-Step Instructions)
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil a large pot of salted water.
- Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes (to remove raw flour taste).
- Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until thickened.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheese and parmesan until smooth.
- Combine Pasta & Cheese Sauce:
- Toss the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until fully coated.
- Baking Option (for Crispy Topping):
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer mac & cheese to a greased baking dish.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top, followed by shredded cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy!
Variations
- Three-Cheese Mac: Use a mix of cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella for extra creaminess.
- Spicy Mac & Cheese: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Bacon Lover’s Mac: Stir in crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory twist.
- Lobster Mac & Cheese: Add chunks of cooked lobster for a gourmet touch.
- Truffle Mac & Cheese: Drizzle with truffle oil and top with parmesan for a fancy upgrade.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta and replace flour with cornstarch.
Tips for the Best Mac & Cheese
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that affect melting.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it al dente since it will absorb some sauce.
- For Extra Creaminess: Add a little cream cheese or evaporated milk.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the cheese sauce in advance and mix it with fresh pasta before serving.
- Reheating Tip: Add a splash of milk when reheating to maintain creaminess.
Would you like a stovetop-only version or any specific cheese recommendations?