Description
This old-fashioned baked mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and topped with golden bubbly cheese. A family favorite made with pantry staples and real flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp ground mustard (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat to 375°F. Grease a baking dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni until just tender. Drain.
- Make Roux: Melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook briefly.
- Add Dairy: Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Stir until thick.
- Add Cheese: Off heat, stir in cheddar, salt, pepper, and mustard.
- Combine: Mix sauce with pasta. Pour into dish.
- Top and Bake: Add remaining cheese and Parmesan. Bake 25–30 minutes.
Notes
Make ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. Try different cheeses or stir in cooked bacon for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 75mg