Description
This Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a rich, cheesy, and comforting classic with a perfectly smooth cheese sauce and a satisfying crispy breadcrumb topping. Made with elbow macaroni, a blend of cheddar cheese, and a creamy roux-based sauce, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting breadcrumbs)
Instructions
- Boil Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat, then add the elbow macaroni and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the cooked macaroni in a colander and set aside.
- Make Roux: In the same pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until bubbling, then whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour forming a smooth paste called a roux.
- Cook Roux: Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes without browning to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Cream: Slowly whisk in 2 cups milk followed by 1/2 cup heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth.
- Season Sauce: Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder, stirring well to combine.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens slightly.
- Melt Cheese: Gradually stir in 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the drained macaroni to the pot and gently stir to coat the pasta evenly with the cheese sauce.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat, add 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, and toast while stirring for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Top and Serve: Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs evenly over the mac and cheese, pressing down lightly to adhere, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheese flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta to prevent sogginess as it will cook further when combined with the sauce.
- Stir constantly when adding milk to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Breadcrumb topping adds a nice texture contrast but can be omitted for a smoother dish.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
