Best Macaroni Cheese Recipe

Name: Best Macaroni Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: Serves 1 or more
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 1 tablespoon + 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups milk (whole milk recommended); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Italian seasoning (not found); Nutmeg (not found); Spicy mustard (not found); Monterey Jack cheese (not found); 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Parmesan cheese (not found); 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese; 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food! This creamy, dreamy macaroni and cheese recipe is bursting with cheesy goodness and will quickly become a family favorite. Easy to follow instructions and guaranteed delicious results – get ready for the best mac and cheese you've ever tasted!

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 35 mins

Calories 288.7 kcal

Protein 22g

Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)

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Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Best Macaroni Cheese

1 pound elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon + 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Italian seasoning (not found)
Nutmeg (not found)
Spicy mustard (not found)
Monterey Jack cheese (not found)
2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Parmesan cheese (not found)
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
1/4 teaspoon paprika

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How to Make Best Macaroni Cheese

Bring 1 gallon of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of salt.
Add 1 pound of elbow macaroni to the boiling water.
Cook pasta according to package directions, until al dente (tender but firm), about 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
Melt 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in 4 cups of milk (whole milk recommended) into the roux, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to combine.
Grease a 13x9 inch baking dish. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared dish.
Top with 1/2 cup of panko bread crumbs and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

39 g

Sugar

Fat

32g

Carbs

12g

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion North American Lunch Side Dishes Eggs Dairy Pasta American Middle Eastern Oven European Holiday Event Kid Friendly Cheese Stove Top Dietary Christmas Comfort Food Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Egg Free Free Of Something Toddler Friendly Pasta Rice And Grains Elbow Macaroni Taste Mood Equipment Chinese New Year Nut Free