Macaroni and Cheese Recipe – The Ultimate Comfort Food

Macaroni and Cheese Recipe – Few dishes evoke comfort, nostalgia, and satisfaction quite like a warm bowl of Macaroni and Cheese. This timeless comfort food, affectionately known as “mac and cheese,” is a creamy, cheesy, and heartwarming dish that has become a staple in households around the world.

• Save

The Macaroni and Cheese Recipe combines tender elbow macaroni pasta with a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from butter, milk, and melted cheese — creating a dish that’s indulgent yet deeply comforting.

Recipe Overview

• Dish Name: Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

• Cuisine: American

• Course: Main Course / Side Dish

• Servings: 6–8

• Calories: ~520 kcal per serving

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Baking Time (optional): 20 minutes

• Resting Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

• Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) elbow macaroni (or any short pasta like penne or shells)

• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 4 cups whole milk (warm)

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

• ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping (Optional for Baked Version):

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)

• Medium saucepan (for cheese sauce)

• Whisk

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Mixing bowl

• Baking dish (if baking)

• Measuring cups and spoons

 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente (firm to the bite), usually 1–2 minutes less than package directions.

3. Drain the pasta and set aside. Do not overcook — it will continue cooking in the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Roux (Base for the Sauce)

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Once melted, whisk in flour to form a smooth paste (this is your roux).

3. Cook for about 1–2 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture turns slightly golden and loses its raw flour smell.

Step 3: Add Milk to Create the Sauce

1. Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

2. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy sauce — this usually takes 5–6 minutes.

3. Reduce the heat to low once the sauce reaches a thick consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

1. Remove the saucepan from the heat.

2. Gradually add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted.

3. Season with salt, pepper, mustard powder, and garlic powder if using.

4. Taste the sauce — it should be rich, creamy, and slightly tangy from the cheddar.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce.

2. Stir until all noodles are evenly coated in the creamy cheese mixture.

3. If you prefer a stovetop version, serve immediately with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top.

Flavor Profile of Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy:

   • The cheese sauce provides a velvety, indulgent texture that coats every bite.

2. Cheesy and Savory:

   • Sharp cheddar and Parmesan create a bold, cheesy depth of flavor.

3. Comforting and Warm:

   • Perfectly balanced saltiness and creaminess make it feel cozy and satisfying.

4. Buttery and Slightly Nutty:

   • The roux adds a subtle toasted flavor that complements the cheese.

5. Crunchy (for Baked Version):

   • A golden breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying contrast to the creamy base.

Conclusion

The Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is a dish that transcends generations — a simple yet indulgent comfort food that never fails to satisfy. With its creamy sauce, golden baked top, and customizable ingredients, it’s no wonder this classic has remained a household favorite for centuries.