Macaroni and Cheese — Seriously Irresistible!

Creamy, cheesy, and wonderfully comforting, this homemade macaroni and cheese combines tender pasta with a rich, velvety cheese sauce. Baked until bubbling and golden on top, it’s the ultimate side dish or cozy weeknight dinner.

🧀 Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese

• 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1½ cups (150 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping

• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until just al dente.

Drain well and set aside.

Don’t overcook the pasta because it will continue cooking in the oven.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously.

Continue cooking for 4–6 minutes, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

3. Add the Seasonings and Cheese

Reduce the heat to low.

Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Gradually add the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella, stirring until completely melted and smooth.

Don’t let the sauce boil after adding the cheese.

4. Combine With the Pasta

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce.

Stir gently until every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated.

5. Transfer to a Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

6. Add the Crispy Topping

Combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and paprika.

Sprinkle the mixture over the cheese.

7. Bake

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until hot, bubbling, and golden on top.

For an extra-crispy top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.

Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

⭐ Tips for Extra-Creamy Mac and Cheese

• Shred your own cheese for the smoothest sauce.
• Don’t boil the cheese sauce after adding the cheese.
• Cook the pasta just until al dente.
• Whole milk and heavy cream create a richer sauce.
• For an even creamier texture, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of cream cheese.
• Let the finished dish rest briefly before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly.

🧀 Cheese Variations

You can substitute or combine:

• Gouda
• Gruyère
• Colby Jack
• Fontina
• Pepper Jack
• Parmesan
• Mild cheddar

🍽️ What to Serve With It

Homemade mac and cheese pairs perfectly with:

• Fried chicken
• BBQ ribs
• Pulled pork
• Roast chicken
• Meatloaf
• Green beans
• Collard greens
• Roasted vegetables

⏱️ Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Method: Stovetop & oven-baked
Difficulty: Easy