Description
Classic comfort shines in this Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese recipe, delivering creamy pasta perfection. Cheese lovers will savor rich flavors and nostalgic warmth in every delightful bite you can’t resist.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni or pasta
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 tbsps unsalted butter
- 4 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk, warm
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cheese Sauce Preparation: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a smooth roux. Gradually incorporate milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, and cook until the mixture thickens and becomes velvety.
- Cheese Incorporation: Remove sauce from heat and fold in shredded cheddar, American, and Parmesan cheeses until completely melted and uniformly blended, creating a rich and creamy consistency.
- Combine and Finish: Pour the molten cheese sauce over the drained pasta, gently folding to ensure every pasta strand is lavishly coated with the decadent cheese mixture.
- Optional Baking: Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes before serving, ensuring the sauce sets slightly and maximizes flavor intensity.
Notes
- Salt Water Wisely: Use enough salt to enhance pasta flavor, but avoid over-salting; aim for sea-salty water that tastes like light ocean breeze.
- Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente, typically 1-2 minutes less than package instructions to prevent mushiness when baking or mixing with cheese sauce.
- Drain Thoroughly: Shake colander completely to remove excess water, preventing watery mac and cheese; let pasta sit briefly to ensure maximum liquid removal.
- Temperature Balance: Allow hot pasta to cool slightly before adding cheese sauce to prevent sauce from breaking or becoming grainy, ensuring smooth and creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg