Name: Ultimate Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 2 cups whole milk; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup panko bread crumbs

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Introduction

The ultimate mac and cheese is a creamy, comforting classic that everyone loves. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich cheddar cheese sauce, then finishes with a crispy golden breadcrumb topping. It’s perfect as a hearty main or a crowd-pleasing side dish.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, with macaroni pieces covered in melted golden cheese. The cheese looks smooth and stretchy as a woman’s hand lifts a spoonful, creating long cheese strands stretching above the bowl. The top layer shows browned cheese spots, indicating it has been baked. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups whole milk
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
Step 3: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to combine.
Step 6: Transfer the cheesy macaroni to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly over the top.
Step 7: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder to the cheese sauce.
Use a mix of cheeses like Gruyère and mozzarella for a richer, more complex taste.
Substitute panko with crushed crackers or regular bread crumbs if desired.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and pasta.

Storage

Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, showing a generous layer of melted golden cheese on top with a bubbly, slightly browned texture. A woman's hand is lifting a spoonful, causing long, stretchy cheese strands to pull up from the bowl. The macaroni beneath is soft and coated in rich, smooth cheese sauce, with a warm, inviting yellow-orange color. The bowl is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?

Yes, any short pasta shape like shells, rotini, or penne works well in mac and cheese.

How can I make the cheese sauce smoother?

Whisking constantly while adding the milk to the roux helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth cheese sauce.