Perfect Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Lower calorie option or more budget-friendly.

elbow macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole grain pasta

💰Cheaper: generic pasta brands

More nutritious or cost-effective.

Start by shredding sharp white cheddar and pecorino-romano cheese by hand.

Warm milk in a pan.

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Stir in flour and cook until light brown and smells nutty.

Slowly add warm milk while whisking continuously.

Continue cooking until the sauce comes to a low simmer and thickens.

Whisk in Dijon mustard, black pepper, cayenne, and nutmeg for flavor.

Add all but about 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese to the sauce and stir until melted.

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt.

Add cooked and rinsed elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a baking dish.

Top with the reserved cheese.

Bake uncovered until bubbly around the edges and the top turns light brown in spots.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens