How to Make the Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese ⎢Martha Stewart

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while processed cheese is often less expensive.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil provides healthier fats while margarine is a budget-friendly alternative.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + cornstarch

Almond milk is lower in calories, and a cornstarch mixture can mimic creaminess.

elbow macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pasta

💰Cheaper: generic pasta

Whole wheat pasta adds fiber while generic options are often cheaper.

In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.

Tear 6 slices of white bread into small pieces and drizzle the melted butter over the bread, tossing to combine; set aside for topping.

In a heavy-bottom saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter.

In another pot, bring 5 1/2 cups of whole milk to a boil, stirring occasionally.

In the melted butter, stir in 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and cook until combined, being careful not to burn it.

Gradually add the boiling milk to the flour mixture while stirring continuously to avoid lumps; switch from a wooden spoon to a whisk for better mixing.

Cook the mixture until it thickens and bubbles, then remove from heat.

Cook 1 pound of macaroni in a large pot of lightly salted boiling water for about 3 to 4 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente texture.

Drain the macaroni in a colander and run cold water next to it to reduce steam.

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.

Add 3 cups of cheddar cheese and 1 1/2 cups of Gruyère cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, ensuring all macaroni is well coated.

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a baking dish.

Sprinkle the reserved buttered bread crumbs over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Bake the macaroni and cheese in the oven until browned on top, about 45 to 60 minutes.

Let the macaroni and cheese sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens