Mac and Cheese Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade mac and cheese with this easy baking recipe. The secret to this creamy, dreamy comfort food classic lies in the perfect cheese sauce and crispy topping. Master the roux technique for a foolproof, silky smooth base that transforms ordinary pasta into an extraordinary dish.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

30 mins

Serves:

6 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">400g elbow macaroni</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">75g unsalted butter</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g plain flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">700ml whole milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp mustard powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g mature cheddar cheese, grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g Gruyère cheese, grated (or Emmental)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g Parmesan cheese, grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the topping:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">75g panko breadcrumbs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g butter, melted</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">25g Parmesan cheese, grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

🔥 Calories:

🥑 Fat:

🧈 Saturated Fat:

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Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">25cm x 30cm (10" x 12") baking dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Medium saucepan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Whisk</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4). Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for 2 minutes less than package directions indicate – you want it quite al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta but don't rinse it; the starchy exterior will help the sauce adhere better.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>While the pasta cooks, prepare your cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 75g of butter. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This butter-flour mixture is called a roux and serves as the thickening agent for your sauce.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. This gradual incorporation is crucial – add too much milk at once and your sauce may become lumpy. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and stir in the mustard powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and garlic powder. Add the grated cheddar, Gruyère, and 50g of Parmesan cheese in handfuls, whisking after each addition until fully melted. Adding cheese gradually prevents it from clumping and separating. Season with salt and pepper to taste.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, folding gently to ensure every piece is well coated. Transfer the mixture to your baking dish, spreading it out evenly. The pasta might look slightly soupy at this stage, but don't worry – the sauce will thicken further during baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, remaining Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. This buttered breadcrumb mixture will create that irresistible crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta beneath. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pasta.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. For the perfect crispy top, you can place the dish under the grill (broiler) for the final 1-2 minutes, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Remove from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to portion. Serve your mac and cheese while still warm to enjoy those delightful cheese pulls that signal the perfect consistency.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Mac and Cheese Recipe?

The key ingredients include elbow macaroni, butter, flour, whole milk, three cheeses (cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan), mustard powder, garlic powder, and optional cayenne pepper. The crispy topping uses panko breadcrumbs, butter, Parmesan, and parsley.

How to cook Mac and Cheese Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Mac and Cheese Recipe by first making a roux with butter and flour, gradually adding milk to create a béchamel sauce. Then fold in grated cheeses to form a velvety sauce, combine with partially cooked pasta, top with buttered panko breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and bubbling.

What's the secret to a smooth, creamy cheese sauce without graininess?

The secret lies in making a proper roux and adding milk gradually while whisking constantly. Then add cheese in small batches off the heat, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more. Using freshly grated cheese rather than pre-packaged also prevents graininess.

Can you freeze baked pasta with cheese sauce?

Yes, you can freeze baked mac and cheese for up to 3 months. For best results, slightly underbake it, cool completely, then wrap tightly before freezing. When reheating, add a splash of milk and bake covered until hot, then uncovered to crisp up the top.

What cheeses work best for a rich, flavourful baked pasta dish?

The ideal combination includes a sharp mature cheddar for flavour, a good melting cheese like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for creaminess, and Parmesan for depth and umami. For extra complexity, consider adding small amounts of blue cheese or smoked cheese.

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