Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Best Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta with a rich, ultra-creamy cheese sauce that coats every bite perfectly. This recipe delivers everything you want from classic mac and cheese: deep cheesy flavor, a smooth and velvety texture, and a comforting warmth that feels like home. I love this version because it strikes the ideal balance between indulgent and approachable. It is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough to serve at holidays or family gatherings. Whether you enjoy it straight from the stovetop or finished in the oven with a golden top, this mac and cheese never disappoints. If you have been searching for a dependable, crowd-pleasing recipe that truly earns the title of “the best,” this one is it.
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The Best Mac & Cheese
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The best Mac & Cheese—ultra-creamy, rich, and cheesy with a smooth sauce that perfectly coats every bite of pasta, delivering classic comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warm
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Optional topping: toasted breadcrumbs or extra cheese
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in warm milk and cream, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar, gruyère, and mozzarella until smooth.
- Add salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard.
- Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
- Serve immediately, or transfer to a baking dish, top as desired, and broil briefly for a golden top.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Do not overcook pasta—it will continue to soften in the sauce.
- Add bacon or lobster for a gourmet twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Elbow macaroni provides the classic shape that holds sauce beautifully.
Butter forms the base of the cheese sauce and adds richness.
All-purpose flour helps thicken the sauce into a smooth roux.
Milk creates the creamy foundation of the sauce.
Heavy cream adds extra richness and silkiness.
Sharp cheddar cheese delivers bold, classic mac and cheese flavor.
Mozzarella cheese adds stretch and creaminess.
Parmesan cheese enhances depth and savory notes.
Salt balances and enhances all the flavors.
Black pepper adds gentle warmth.
Optional paprika adds subtle smokiness and color.
Optional breadcrumbs create a crisp topping if baking.
Directions
Begin by cooking the macaroni in well-salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook briefly until smooth and lightly golden. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.
Reduce the heat and gradually add the cheeses, stirring until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using.
Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. At this stage, the mac and cheese can be served immediately for a creamy stovetop version.
For a baked version, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs if desired, and bake until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, cooking time is about 25 minutes, and baking time is an additional 10 to 15 minutes if baking.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Variations and Customizations
The Best Mac & Cheese is easy to customize. For extra flavor, add cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic. I tested this recipe with crispy bacon mixed in, and it added an irresistible smoky depth.
You can also swap cheeses to suit your taste. Gruyère adds nuttiness, Monterey Jack boosts creaminess, and smoked cheddar brings bold character. For a spicy version, stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
If you prefer a lighter version, reduce the cream and use whole milk instead. These variations allow you to tailor the recipe while keeping its creamy, comforting essence intact.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein (g) | 20 |
| Carbs (g) | 42 |
| Fat (g) | 30 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 18 |
| Fiber (g) | 2 |
| Sugar (g) | 6 |
| Sodium (mg) | 640 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Grate your own cheese
Pre-shredded cheese can affect sauce smoothness.
Do not overcook pasta
Al dente pasta holds texture better.
Add cheese off heat
This prevents grainy sauce.
Thin as needed
A splash of milk restores creaminess.
FAQs
What cheese works best for mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar is classic, paired with a melt-friendly cheese like mozzarella.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
Why is my sauce grainy?
High heat or pre-shredded cheese can cause graininess.
Can I freeze mac and cheese?
Freezing is possible but may slightly affect texture.
Is this better baked or stovetop?
Both are excellent; stovetop is creamier, baked adds texture.
What goes well with mac and cheese?
Green salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled protein pair well.
Conclusion
The Best Mac & Cheese lives up to its name with a creamy, cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta that delivers comfort in every bite. Simple, customizable, and endlessly satisfying, this recipe is a staple you will come back to again and again whenever you crave true comfort food.
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