Best 10 Classic Mac And Cheese Recipes

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Mac and cheese, a classic comfort food, is a dish that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for centuries. Its simple yet flavorful combination of cheese, pasta, and a creamy sauce has made it a staple in many cultures and cuisines. Whether you prefer a gooey, baked version with a crunchy topping or a smooth, stovetop version, there is a mac and cheese recipe out there to suit every taste. In this article, we will explore some of the best classic mac and cheese recipes, providing you with all the information you need to create a delicious and unforgettable dish.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

CLASSIC SOUTHERN MACARONI AND CHEESE



Classic Southern Macaroni and Cheese image

Provided by Virginia Willis

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups elbow macaroni
8 ounces grated extra-sharp Cheddar (about 2 cups)
2 cups milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch ovenproof casserole dish.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until tender (a little more than al dente), about 12 minutes. Drain well in a colander.
  • In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, cheese, milk and eggs. Add some salt and pepper. Transfer to the prepared dish.
  • Bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool slightly before serving.

CLASSIC MAC AND CHEESE



Classic Mac and Cheese image

Nothing is better than homemade classic mac and cheese, the ultimate comfort food!

Provided by T-fal

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 cups whole milk
8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
4 ounces shredded Swiss cheese
4 ounces Velveeta® processed cheese
½ cup panko bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain.
  • Melt the butter in the bottom of an oven-proof fry pan. Add the flour and stir over heat until just beginning to brown - don't let it get too brown. Take it off the heat and stir in about 1 cup of milk until the butter and flour mixture is fully incorporated. Put it back on the heat and simmer until just beginning to thicken, about 5 minutes. Add the rest of the milk; stir to fully incorporate.
  • Add all of the cheeses and stir to melt. Once melted, add the cooked macaroni. Stir to mix.
  • Cover the top of the mac and cheese with panko crumbs and place the pan in the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until it is bubbling and the bread crumbs are slightly browned.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 537.7 calories, Carbohydrate 54.8 g, Cholesterol 75.5 mg, Fat 25.3 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 23.6 g, SaturatedFat 15.5 g, Sodium 517.5 mg, Sugar 5.7 g

THE BEST STOVETOP MAC AND CHEESE



The Best Stovetop Mac and Cheese image

Our super creamy, quick and easy stovetop mac and cheese is better than the boxed stuff, but just as satisfying. The combo of mild American and sharp Cheddar with cream cheese creates a perfectly balanced sauce that will please even the pickiest of palates.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Kosher salt
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups grated sharp yellow Cheddar (about 4 ounces)
3 ounces sliced American cheese, diced (about 1/2 cup)
2 ounces cream cheese, cut into small pieces

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain.
  • Melt the butter in the same pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, mustard powder and paprika; cook, whisking constantly, until smooth and slightly darker, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue to cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and comes to a simmer, 7 to 8 minutes. Whisk in the cheddar, American cheese and cream cheese until melted and remove from heat.
  • Add the pasta to the sauce; toss, adding some reserved cooking water as needed to loosen. Season with salt.

CLASSIC MACARONI AND CHEESE



Classic Macaroni and Cheese image

This is the classic baked Mac and Cheese of my childhood. You can add sun-dried tomatoes if you wish, or sometimes I substitute minced garlic for the salt and pepper to give it added zing! It can make Saturday Night more fun!

Provided by Cordi Tierno

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h10m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 (16 ounce) package macaroni
1 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, sliced
1 tablespoon butter
salt and pepper to taste
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • Grease a 2 quart casserole dish. Place a quarter of the macaroni in the bottom, followed by an even layer of one-quarter of the cheese slices. Dot with butter and season with salt and pepper. Repeat layering three times. Pour evaporated milk evenly over the top of all.
  • Bake, uncovered, for one hour, or until top is golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 701.3 calories, Carbohydrate 64.9 g, Cholesterol 102.8 mg, Fat 33.5 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 34 g, SaturatedFat 20.4 g, Sodium 552.2 mg, Sugar 7.8 g

CLASSIC MACARONI AND CHEESE



Classic Macaroni and Cheese image

Savor a saucy, cheese crowd-pleaser with this Classic Macaroni and Cheese! You can't go wrong this delicious recipe. Watch now to find out how Classic Macaroni and Cheese will leave a lasting impression.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Macaroni & Cheese

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings, 1 cup each

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 Tbsp. butter or margarine
2 Tbsp. flour
2 cups milk
1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, divided
2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F.
  • Melt butter in large saucepan on low heat. Stir in flour; cook and stir 2 min. or until bubbly. Gradually stir in milk; bring to boil on medium heat, stirring constantly. Simmer on low heat 3 to 5 min. or until thickened, stirring constantly. Add 1-1/2 cups cheese; cook and stir 2 to 3 min. or until melted. Stir in macaroni.
  • Spoon into 1-1/2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray; sprinkle with remaining cheese.
  • Bake 20 min. or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 380, Fat 20 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 55 mg, Sodium 310 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 16 g

OLD-FASHIONED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese image

Bring back the taste of days gone by with this ooey-gooey mac-and-cheese classic. A little ground mustard and hot pepper sauce give it just the right spice. -James Backman, Centralia, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Side Dishes

Time 1h

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

3-1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (about 12 ounces)
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Few dashes hot pepper sauce
3-1/2 cups whole milk
5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni in boiling water until almost tender; drain. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, melt butter. Stir in the flour, salt, mustard, pepper and pepper sauce until smooth. Cook for 1 minute or until bubbly. Stir in the macaroni, milk and 4 cups cheese. , Transfer to an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until bubbly. Uncover; sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts :

FANNIE FARMER'S CLASSIC BAKED MACARONI & CHEESE



Fannie Farmer's Classic Baked Macaroni & Cheese image

To me Fannie Farmer's recipe is the only "real" Macaroni & Cheese. It's from my 1946 edition of "Fannie Farmer's Boston Cooking School Cookbook". With time on it's side - this recipe is hands down the best for traditional, homemade baked macaroni & cheese - comfort food. Please Note: If you use CHEAP CHEESE you will end up with a BLAND and FLAVORLESS DISH!

Provided by - Carla -

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (8 ounce) package macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1 cup cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
fresh ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded good quality
1/2 cup breadcrumbs, buttered

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Cook and drain macaroni according to package directions; set aside.
  • In a large saucepan melt butter.
  • Add flour mixed with salt and pepper, using a whisk to stir until well blended.
  • Pour milk and cream in gradually; stirring constantly.
  • Bring to boiling point and boil 2 minutes (stirring constantly).
  • Reduce heat and cook (stirring constantly) 10 minutes.
  • Add shredded cheddar little by little and simmer an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese melts.
  • Turn off flame.
  • Add macaroni to the saucepan and toss to coat with the cheese sauce.
  • Transfer macaroni to a buttered baking dish.
  • Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
  • Bake 20 minutes until the top is golden brown.
  • (You can also freeze this recipe in zip-lock bags for later use - once you have mixed the macaroni along with the cheese sauce allow to cool to room temperature before adding to your freezer - I generally pull it out the night before and allow macaroni and cheese to reach room temperature; I then add the macaroni and cheese to a buttered baking dish, sprinkle with bread crumbs and then bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until golden brown on top and bubbling.

CLASSIC BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY



Classic Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: unsalted butter, all purpose flour, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, whole milk, heavy cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, elbow macaroni, unsalted butter, kosher salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, panko breadcrumbs

Provided by Next Level Chef on Fox

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

½ stick unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 ¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked according to package instructions until al dente and drained, not cooled
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ cup panko breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, salt, and pepper and whisk until smooth and bubbling, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly, until smooth. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, 4-5 minutes. Add the cheddar cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • Fold in the cooked pasta until evenly coated.
  • Pour the mac and cheese into a 9-inch square pan.
  • Make the bread crumb topping: In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, salt, garlic powder, and paprika with a fork until combined. Add the panko bread crumbs and stir until evenly coated in the butter mixture.
  • Sprinkle the bread crumb topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
  • Bake the mac and cheese for 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is browned (if the top isn't browning, broil on high for 2-3 minutes).
  • Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 679 calories, Carbohydrate 70 grams, Fat 36 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 22 grams, Sugar 6 grams

CLASSIC MAC & CHEESE



Classic Mac & Cheese image

Make and share this Classic Mac & Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus
1 teaspoon kosher salt
8 ounces small elbow macaroni
5 tablespoons salted butter, plus more for baking dish
2 cups coarse fresh breadcrumbs (preferably homemade)
2 ounces parmigiano-reggiano cheese, finely grated, about 1 cup (or Pecorino Romano)
3/4 cup finely diced yellow onion
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk or 2 cups reduced-fat milk
1 cup heavy cream
6 ounces cheddar cheese, coarsely grated, preferably orange (mild or aged cheddar, 2 cups)
6 ounces gruyere cheese, coarsely grated (2 cups)
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (or ground)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • Butter an 8-inch square baking dish or pan or six 8-ounce ramekins; set aside.
  • Fill a 4- to 5-quart pot about 3/4 full of water and add 1 tablespoon of the salt.
  • Bring to a boil and add the pasta.
  • Cook, stirring once or twice, until tender but firm, about 4 minutes, and drain; reserve the pot.
  • While the pasta is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.
  • Turn off the heat and add the bread crumbs and Parmigiano-Reggiano; stir until mixed well; set aside.
  • Using the same pot you used to cook the pasta, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Slowly whisk in the flour and stir constantly until the onion is coated with the flour, 30-45 seconds.
  • Continue stirring for about 2 minutes more, or until the mixture starts to darken slightly and smell a bit nutty.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk, cream, and remaining 1 tsp salt and cook until the mixture is just beginning to thicken and bubble around the edges, 5-7 minutes.
  • It should be similar in texture to cake batter.
  • If it's soupy, continue cooking until it thickens.
  • Add 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar, the Gruyere, mustard powder, cayenne, and nutmeg and stir until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth but not too runny.
  • Again, it should be similar in texture to cake batter; continue cooking if too soupy, until it thickens.
  • Add the pasta and stir to combine.
  • Pour into the prepared baking dish.
  • Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar and top with the bread crumb mixture.
  • Place the dish on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until bubbling and golden brown, about 30 minutes.
  • Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 844.2, Fat 50.7, SaturatedFat 30.3, Cholesterol 155.8, Sodium 2288, Carbohydrate 64, Fiber 3.3, Sugar 8.6, Protein 32.9

FAMILY-FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Family-Favorite Macaroni and Cheese image

Creamy and cheesy, this homemade mac and cheese recipe is just the ticket for traditional comfort food, but with lots of mix-in possibilities that help you put a flavor-forward twist on a classic recipe. Check out the Expert Tips section below for suggestions on adding bacon, caramelized onions, fire-roasted diced tomatoes and even lobster.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 50m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (7 ounces)
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded or cubed Cheddar cheese (8 ounces)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package.
  • While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in 3-quart saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constanly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.
  • Gently stir macaroni into cheese sauce.
  • Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 400, Carbohydrate 34 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 1 g, Protein 17 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 560 mg

Tips:

  • Use a blend of cheeses for a richer flavor. Cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan are all classic choices, but you can experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend.
  • Don't overcook the macaroni. Al dente pasta will hold its shape and texture better in the sauce.
  • Make a roux to thicken the sauce. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is cooked together until it forms a paste. This will help to thicken the sauce and prevent it from becoming watery.
  • Season the sauce to taste. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are all good starting points, but you can also add other spices or herbs to taste.
  • Top the mac and cheese with a breadcrumb crust. This will add a delicious crunch and golden brown color to the dish.
  • Bake the mac and cheese until it is bubbly and golden brown. This will help to ensure that the cheese is melted and gooey.

Conclusion:

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and delicious breadcrumb crust, it's the perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. By following these tips, you can make the best mac and cheese that you've ever tasted.

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