This easy and creamy mac and cheese recipe is perfect for a quick dinner! Made with simple, everyday ingredients, it’s both comforting and flavorful. The combination of melted cheeses creates a rich, indulgent sauce, while the crispy top adds a delightful crunch. A classic dish everyone will love!
Ingredients Needed
- 4 cups dried macaroni
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup salted butter (1/2 stick)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 heaping teaspoons dry mustard, plus more to taste
- 1 lb cheese (cheddar, jack, or fontina), grated
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: Cayenne pepper, paprika, or thyme
How To Make Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Cook the macaroni: Boil the macaroni in salted water until very firm, about 7-8 minutes. The macaroni should be undercooked, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- Beat the egg: In a small bowl, beat the egg well and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 5 minutes. Be sure to cook it thoroughly without letting it brown.
- Add milk and mustard: Slowly pour in the milk and add the dry mustard. Whisk until smooth, and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Reduce heat to low.
- Temper the egg: Take 1/4 cup of the hot sauce and slowly pour it into the beaten egg while whisking constantly. This prevents the egg from cooking too quickly. Whisk until smooth.
- Combine egg and sauce: Gradually pour the egg mixture into the sauce, whisking continuously until fully combined. Stir in the grated cheese and cook until melted and smooth.
- Season the sauce: Add the kosher salt, seasoned salt, black pepper, and any optional seasonings (such as cayenne, paprika, or thyme). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine with macaroni: Stir the cooked and drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Bake: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with extra cheese, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving for the perfect cheesy, creamy dish! Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Undercook the macaroni: Cook the macaroni just a little underdone. This way, it won’t become mushy when baked, and it will soak up the creamy cheese sauce better.
- Whisk constantly: When making the sauce, always whisk it continuously, especially when adding the milk and when mixing in the egg. This helps avoid lumps and gives you a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Use a mix of cheeses: Cheddar, jack, and fontina all melt differently and add unique flavors. A cheese blend will give your mac and cheese the perfect texture and taste.
- Don’t skimp on salt: Mac and cheese needs enough salt to bring out the flavors. Taste your sauce before adding the pasta, and adjust the seasoning as needed. It shouldn’t be bland!
- Let it rest before serving: After baking, let your mac and cheese sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to scoop without falling apart.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Put leftovers mac and cheese in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze leftovers mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers mac and cheese, place it in the microwave or oven. In the microwave, heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway. In the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, adding a little milk to keep it creamy.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 376
- Total Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Potassium: 200 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 40 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
More Recipes:
Mac and Cheese Recipe
Description
This easy and creamy mac and cheese recipe is perfect for a quick dinner! Made with simple, everyday ingredients, it’s both comforting and flavorful. The combination of melted cheeses creates a rich, indulgent sauce, while the crispy top adds a delightful crunch. A classic dish everyone will love!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Boil the macaroni in salted water until very firm, about 7-8 minutes. The macaroni should be undercooked, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- Beat the egg: In a small bowl, beat the egg well and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 5 minutes. Be sure to cook it thoroughly without letting it brown.
- Add milk and mustard: Slowly pour in the milk and add the dry mustard. Whisk until smooth, and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Reduce heat to low.
- Temper the egg: Take 1/4 cup of the hot sauce and slowly pour it into the beaten egg while whisking constantly. This prevents the egg from cooking too quickly. Whisk until smooth.
- Combine egg and sauce: Gradually pour the egg mixture into the sauce, whisking continuously until fully combined. Stir in the grated cheese and cook until melted and smooth.
- Season the sauce: Add the kosher salt, seasoned salt, black pepper, and any optional seasonings (such as cayenne, paprika, or thyme). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine with macaroni: Stir the cooked and drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Bake: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with extra cheese, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving for the perfect cheesy, creamy dish! Enjoy!
Notes
- Undercook the macaroni: Cook the macaroni just a little underdone. This way, it won’t become mushy when baked, and it will soak up the creamy cheese sauce better.
- Whisk constantly: When making the sauce, always whisk it continuously, especially when adding the milk and when mixing in the egg. This helps avoid lumps and gives you a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Use a mix of cheeses: Cheddar, jack, and fontina all melt differently and add unique flavors. A cheese blend will give your mac and cheese the perfect texture and taste.
- Don’t skimp on salt: Mac and cheese needs enough salt to bring out the flavors. Taste your sauce before adding the pasta, and adjust the seasoning as needed. It shouldn’t be bland!
- Let it rest before serving: After baking, let your mac and cheese sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to scoop without falling apart.
Mac and Cheese Recipe