Ultimate Mac and Cheese
This classic mac and cheese recipe delivers creamy, rich cheese sauce with perfectly cooked pasta and a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping that will make this your new favorite comfort food.
15m
8
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Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1
Prepare pasta and oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 2
Make cheese sauce base
In a large saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes to create a roux.
- 3
Add liquids gradually
Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add cheese and seasonings
Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan cheeses until melted. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- 5
Combine pasta and sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined. Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- 6
Prepare topping
In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
- 7
Bake until golden
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- 8
Serve and garnish
Garnish with fresh chives and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Chef's Tips
This is hands-down the best mac and cheese recipe you'll ever try. Forget the boxed versions - this homemade mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and baked with real cheese flavor. The combination of sharp cheddar and gruyere creates the perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess. The secret to ultra-creamy mac and cheese is making a proper cheese sauce (béchamel) and using freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about making this ultimate mac and cheese
How long does it take to make Ultimate Mac and Cheese?
This recipe takes 45 minutes total time, including 15 minutes prep time and 30 minutes cooking time.
How many servings does this Ultimate Mac and Cheese recipe make?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What is the difficulty level of this Ultimate Mac and Cheese recipe?
This recipe is rated as Medium difficulty level, making it suitable for home cooks with some experience.
Can I make substitutions in this Ultimate Mac and Cheese recipe?
Yes, you can make substitutions, but they may affect the final result. Common substitutions include using different types of ingredients for dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
Can I make this ultimate mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this ultimate mac and cheese up to 1 day ahead. Assemble the dish completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if needed.
How do I store leftover ultimate mac and cheese?
Store leftover ultimate mac and cheese covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
What side dishes go well with ultimate mac and cheese?
This ultimate mac and cheese pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a protein of your choice.
Can I freeze ultimate mac and cheese?
Yes, this ultimate mac and cheese freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.