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–+ servings

Best Macaroni and Cheese

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Course: Side
Cuisine: American
Calories: 701kcal
Author: Jessica Gavin
Indulge in comfort food with my scrumptious macaroni and cheese recipe! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with perfectly cooked pasta, it's the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

  • 4 quarts (3.8 L) water
  • 4 teaspoons (24 g) kosher salt, divided
  • 1 pound (454 g) elbow macaroni
  • 5 tablespoons (75 g) unsalted butter
  • 6 tablespoons (54 g) all-purpose flour
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional
  • 4 cups (960 ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard, or yellow mustard, optional
  • 16 ounces (454 g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded, 4 cups

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta – In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Stir in 1 tablespoon of salt until dissolved. Add the pasta and stir to prevent sticking. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 7 to 9 minutes. Drain in a colander.
  • Make the Roux – Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and nutmeg (if using). Cook, constantly whisking, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Make the Cheese Sauce – Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Whisk in the mustard (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, whisking until thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Take the pot off the heat and slowly whisk in cheddar cheese until completely melted.
  • Add the Pasta – Add pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir to coat evenly. Serve while still hot.

Notes

  • Using Dry Mustard: Substitute 1 teaspoon of dry mustard for 1 tablespoon of Dijon or yellow mustard.
  • Using Whole Milk: For a slightly less creamy sauce, use 5 cups of whole milk and omit the heavy whipping cream.
  • Storing: Store in an airtight container in a refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 701kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 124mg | Sodium: 765mg | Potassium: 392mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1423IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 601mg | Iron: 1mg
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