Creamy Macaroni and Cheese (Print Version)

Tender pasta enveloped in a velvety blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan — the ultimate comfort food.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz elbow macaroni (or other short pasta)
02 - Water and salt, for boiling

→ Cheese Sauce

03 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - ¼ cup all-purpose flour
05 - 3 cups whole milk, warmed
06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 1 teaspoon salt
08 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
09 - ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
10 - 2½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
11 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
12 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Optional Topping

13 - ½ cup breadcrumbs
14 - 1 tablespoon melted butter

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
02 - In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
03 - Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens, about 4–5 minutes.
04 - Add salt, pepper, and mustard powder. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth and fully melted.
05 - Fold in the cooked pasta and stir until evenly coated.
06 - Transfer to a buttered baking dish. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top. Broil for 2–3 minutes until golden.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand
  • Creates the creamiest cheese sauce without any processed cheese
  • Versatile enough to be a main dish or impressive side
02 -
  • Perfect make ahead dish that reheats beautifully
  • Excellent source of calcium from the blend of cheeses
  • Can be customized with add ins like bacon, broccoli, or lobster
03 -
  • Let your cheese come to room temperature before adding to the sauce for smoother melting
  • Always cook your roux until it smells slightly nutty to eliminate any raw flour taste
  • For extra creamy results, never let your sauce boil after adding the cheese as this can cause separation

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