Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.99 from 170 votes

Mac and Cheese Recipe

This is the cheesiest, CREAMIEST homemade mac and cheese you'll ever make! The whole family will definitely approve!

Prep Time15

Cook Time25

Total Time40

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Lil' Luna

Ingredients

1 (16-ounce) package elbow macaroni
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons salted butter divided
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon garlic salt
pepper to taste
4 cups milk
6 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F.
Boil pasta according to package directions.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt ½ cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2–3 minutes. Add garlic salt and pepper. Slowly pour in milk, whisking until smooth. Heat to a low boil and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 4–5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Drain pasta and transfer to a lightly greased 9-x-13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese over pasta. Pour thickened cream sauce over pasta and cheese. Let sit until the cheese has melted, then stir together.
Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs, and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown, 3–5 minutes. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
Bake for 14–15 minutes. Serve warm.

Video

Notes

Make ahead of time. Prepare the mac and cheese as directed above, but do not add the buttered breadcrumbs. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Before baking, make breadcrumbs, sprinkle on top, and bake per recipe directions.

Slow cooker directions. Follow Steps 2 and 3, then pour hot pasta into a greased slow cooker. Sprinkle shredded cheese over pasta, followed by thickened cream sauce, and stir together. Cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Make breadcrumbs as directed in Step 4 and pour over macaroni. Let warm for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations. Change up the cheese for extra flavor. A popular blend is equal parts mozzarella, cheddar, and American. Other cheeses that are good to use in mac and cheese include Parmesan, sharp cheddar, white cheddar, Gruyère, Colby Jack, and Gorgonzola.

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