3 Ultimate Mac n Cheese Recipes | Classic, Gourmet, and One-Pot | Delicious & Easy
Recipes in this Video
Macaroni and cheese, often simply called mac n cheese, is a beloved comfort food in the United States, with roots tracing back to 18th-century recipes from Europe. Traditionally made with pasta and a creamy cheese sauce, it has become a staple in American households, often served as a side dish or main course. Today, variations abound, including gourmet versions with different cheeses and toppings, but the classic remains a favorite for its simplicity and rich, cheesy flavor.
Ingredients
- ●macaroni
- ●cheddar cheese
- ●milk
- ●butter
- ●flour
- ●bread crumbs
- ●salt
- ●black pepper
- ●mustard powder
- ●paprika
- ●onion powder
- ●garlic powder
Instructions
- 1Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- 2Drain the macaroni and set aside.
- 3In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until foamy.
- 4Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- 5Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes.
- 6Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- 7Season with salt, black pepper, mustard powder, paprika, and onion powder.
- 8Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
- 9Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
- 10Sprinkle bread crumbs evenly on top.
- 11Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until golden and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
- 12Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
cheddar cheese
Healthier: reduced-fat cheese
Cheaper: processed cheese
Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while maintaining flavor.
milk
Healthier: almond milk
Cheaper: evaporated milk
Almond milk is lower in calories, while evaporated milk is often cheaper.
butter
Healthier: olive oil
Cheaper: margarine
Olive oil is healthier, while margarine is often less expensive.
bread crumbs
Healthier: panko
Cheaper: crushed crackers
Panko adds crunch, while crushed crackers are often cheaper.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Ingredients
- ●8 oz elbow macaroni
- ●2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ●1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- ●1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ●3 cups milk
- ●1/4 cup unsalted butter
- ●1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- ●1/2 tsp garlic powder
- ●1/2 tsp onion powder
- ●1/2 tsp mustard powder
- ●1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- ●1/2 tsp salt
- ●1/4 tsp black pepper
- ●1 cup breadcrumbs
- ●2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 3In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- 4Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
- 5Add the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir to combine.
- 6Remove the saucepan from heat and add the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
- 7Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat all the pasta.
- 8Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- 9Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- 10Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment
Ingredients
- ●2 cups elbow macaroni
- ●4 cups water
- ●1 cup milk
- ●2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ●1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ●1/2 tsp garlic powder
- ●1/2 tsp onion powder
- ●1/2 tsp salt
- ●1/4 tsp black pepper
- ●1/4 tsp paprika
Instructions
- 1In a large pot, combine the elbow macaroni and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- 2Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook the macaroni for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
- 3Drain any excess water from the pot, if necessary, leaving a small amount for moisture.
- 4Add the milk, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika to the pot.
- 5Stir the mixture over medium heat until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy, about 3-5 minutes.
- 6If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- 7Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- 8Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
- 9Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or herbs if desired.
Equipment
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