Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe That Everyone Loves

Creamy macaroni and cheese crafts ordinary ingredients into a comforting culinary masterpiece that resonates with pure nostalgia.

Hearty pasta intertwines with rich, molten cheese, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Childhood memories often center around this beloved dish, evoking warmth and happiness with each forkful.

Family gatherings and cozy evenings find their perfect companion in this timeless recipe that connects generations through shared meals.

Smooth, velvety cheese sauce envelops tender pasta, promising a delightful experience that satisfies deep cravings and warms the soul.

Simple yet sophisticated, this classic comfort food elevates everyday ingredients into something truly extraordinary.

Prepare to embark on a delicious journey that celebrates culinary simplicity and pure, unapologetic indulgence.

Best Tips for Classic Macaroni and Cheese

• Choose Al Dente Pasta: Cook macaroni just until tender to prevent mushy texture when baking.
• Shred Cheese Fresh: Grate cheese blocks yourself for better melting and richer, smoother sauce compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Temper Milk Mixture: Whisk eggs slowly into milk to prevent scrambling and ensure creamy, smooth consistency.
• Layer Strategically: Distribute cheese and pasta evenly to guarantee each bite has maximum flavor and cheesy goodness.
• Rest Before Serving: Let mac and cheese sit for 10 minutes after baking to allow sauce to set and make cutting easier.

Storing and Reheating Macaroni and Cheese

• Refrigeration: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Transfer cooled mac and cheese to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For a crispy top, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture if needed.

What to Serve with Classic Macaroni and Cheese

• Pair with Crisp Green Salad: Cut through the richness of the mac and cheese with a fresh, tangy salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
• Match with Smoky Pulled Pork: The creamy cheese pairs beautifully with tender, barbecue-style pulled pork, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Complement with Dry White Wine: A crisp sauvignon blanc or chardonnay helps balance the creamy, cheesy flavors and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Add some nutrition and color with simply roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus to contrast the cheesy pasta.

Fun Mac and Cheese Recipe Variations

• Spicy Southwest Mac: Transform the classic recipe by adding diced jalapeños, green chiles, and pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick. Mix in cooked chorizo or ground beef for extra protein and bold southwestern flavors.
• Mediterranean Veggie Mac: Incorporate roasted red peppers, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh spinach. Sprinkle with oregano and top with kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired variation that brings fresh, tangy notes to the traditional dish.
• Truffle Mushroom Mac: Elevate the recipe with sautéed wild mushrooms, a drizzle of truffle oil, and a blend of gruyère and parmesan cheeses. Add crispy pancetta bits for a luxurious and earthy version that feels gourmet and indulgent.
• Bacon Ranch Mac: Fold in crispy bacon pieces and replace garlic salt with ranch seasoning mix. Garnish with chopped green onions and an extra sprinkle of crispy bacon on top for a crowd-pleasing comfort food upgrade.

Why Classic Macaroni and Cheese Never Gets Old

• Creamy Comfort in Every Bite: This mac and cheese delivers ultimate creamy goodness with a perfect blend of cheddar and mozzarella that melts into a luxurious sauce coating each pasta curve.
• Quick and Easy Family Feast: Minimal prep steps and straightforward ingredients make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, turning dinner into a stress-free celebration of cheesy deliciousness.
• Texture Explosion with Golden Crunch: The bubbling top with sprinkled paprika creates a gorgeous golden-brown crust that adds delightful crispness to the smooth, rich underlying mac and cheese, giving each forkful exciting textural contrast.

Ingredients for Classic Macaroni and Cheese

• Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for holding creamy cheese sauce, choose high-quality semolina pasta for best texture.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create smooth texture in dish.
• Evaporated Milk, Milk: Provides creamy base and helps bind ingredients together, whole milk ensures maximum richness.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Sharp cheddar offers tangy flavor, mozzarella contributes melty smoothness, select high-quality block cheeses for best melting.

• Eggs: Helps set the custard and bind ingredients, provides structure to casserole.
• Garlic Salt: Adds subtle savory flavor and enhances overall taste profile.
• Paprika: Offers mild smoky flavor and creates attractive golden-brown color on top.

Classic Mac and Cheese Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Macaroni

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add macaroni and cook until it reaches al dente texture. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

Step 3: Melt the Butter

Stir butter into the warm macaroni until completely melted. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Milk Mixture

• Evaporated milk
• Regular milk
• Eggs
• Garlic salt

Blend until the ingredients are fully combined and smooth.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Blend

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

• Spread 1/3 of the macaroni
• Add 1/3 of the cheese mixture
• Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used

Step 7: Add Final Touches

Pour the milk mixture evenly over the top of the layered macaroni. Sprinkle paprika across the surface for added flavor and color.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a bubbly, golden-brown top that indicates the dish is ready to serve.

Classic Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy Southern-style macaroni and cheese celebrates comfort with rich cheddar and a golden breadcrumb crust. Hearty pasta nestles under a blanket of melted cheese, promising pure satisfaction with each forkful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
• 2 large eggs

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 (370 milliliters/12 ounces) cans evaporated milk
• ⅓ cup milk of choice

Seasonings:

• ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish by lightly coating it with cooking spray.
2. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
3. Add the macaroni to the boiling water and cook until tender but still firm, approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Drain the cooked macaroni in a colander, then return the pasta to the pot and immediately stir in the butter until completely melted and coating the noodles.
5. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the evaporated milk, whole milk, eggs, and garlic salt until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
6. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, ensuring an even distribution.
7. Assemble the casserole by creating three alternating layers: first, spread one-third of the macaroni across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then top with one-third of the cheese mixture.
8. Repeat the layering process two more times, creating a total of three complete layers of macaroni and cheese.
9. Carefully pour the milk and egg mixture evenly over the entire surface of the layered casserole.
10. Sprinkle a light dusting of paprika across the top for added color and subtle flavor.
11. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling with a slightly crispy texture.
12. Remove from the oven and allow the macaroni and cheese to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, which will help the dish set and make it easier to portion.

Notes

• Master this classic comfort food that brings warmth and nostalgia to any dinner table.
• Guaranteed creamy texture comes from perfectly blending multiple cheese types and a silky milk mixture.
• Prepping ingredients beforehand ensures a smooth cooking process and reduces kitchen stress.
• Achieve golden-brown perfection by watching the top carefully during the final baking minutes.
• Make ahead and refrigerate unbaked for a convenient meal that’s ready to pop in the oven.
• Customize with optional mix-ins like crispy bacon, diced jalapeños, or herbed breadcrumbs for extra flavor excitement.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 436 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg