Description
This creamy homemade Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food — rich, cheesy, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon mustard powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1. Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously until smooth and thickened.
4. Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until melted and creamy.
5. Season with garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce and mix well.
7. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until golden.
Notes
For an ultra-creamy version, add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese to the sauce.
Mix in steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or cooked chicken for variation.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg