Macaroni and cheese is a creamy pasta casserole made with macaroni and a rich cheese sauce, then baked until bubbly with a golden crust.
Classic Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella or Monterey Jack
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Cook macaroni until slightly firm; drain.
- Melt butter in a pan, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute.
- Slowly add milk while whisking until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in cheeses and seasonings until melted.
- Mix sauce with macaroni.
- Pour into a baking dish and top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Popular Variations
- Southern-style extra cheesy
- Smoked gouda mac
- Buffalo chicken mac
- Lobster mac and cheese
- Jalapeño bacon mac
Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother sauce.
- Mix multiple cheeses for deeper flavor.
- Slightly undercook pasta before baking to avoid mushiness.
Would you like a:
- stovetop version,
- baked spicy version,
- Pakistani-style twist,
- or a quick 30-minute recipe?