Classic Macaroni and Cheese

Do you love macaroni and cheese but you are looking for one that really fits all the criteria of great mac and cheese? Look no further than this gorgeously creamy Classic Macaroni and Cheese. It has the perfect cheese blend with a crispy, crunchy topping; this dish is a real crowd-pleaser!! This post originally appeared on Real Housemoms.

I have made mac and cheese a million times. I usually use a recipe from Martha Stewart, but I think we all wanted a change. Something that was possibly even better. Ken and Amber said that this Classic Macaroni and Cheese was the best they have ever had. Woohoo, I hit the nail on the head then!!

Using a panko crumb for the topping is really amazing. It gets gorgeously crunchy to offset the smooth and creaminess of the cheese sauce and pasta. 

Serving up a big comforting dish like this for the holidays will get you rave reviews. This recipe will be loved by so many, it is a kid’s number one fave and adults never pass it up either. The recipe makes a lot, so that it will feed a crowd easily!!

Comfort Food

What do you think of when comfort food comes up? I bet macaroni and cheese is at the top of the list. So homey and a family favorite for many. If serving ham for the holidays this dish would be an amazing accompaniment. Rich and creamy and full of wonderful ingredients. 

Furthermore, Macaroni and Cheese dates back to the 14th century and is loved world over. Many recipes have grown on this classic but besides a little Parmesan cheese I stuck with the standard cheddar. An easy dish that anyone can accomplish with following the directions. A great recipe to start with if you are new to the kitchen. 

Classic Macaroni and Cheese

Tara Noland

This comforting Classic Macaroni and Cheese is a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again!

5 from 11 votes

Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved! Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 10 -12 servings

Calories 457 kcal

Ingredients

 

• 5 1/2 cups milk
• 6 Tbsp. butter
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. white pepper
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp. mustard powder
• 5 cups sharp cheddar cheese grated
• 1/2 cup Parmesan grated
• 1 lb. macaroni

Panko Crumb Topping

• 1 cup panko crumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan
• 2 Tbsp. butter melted
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375F. Butter a 3 quart casserole dish or two smaller ones, I usually stick one in the freezer to have at a later date. Just thaw and bake accordingly. Toss the panko with the Parmesan, salt and butter, set aside. Fill a large pasta pot with salted water and heat over high heat.
• Meanwhile in a medium saucepan set over medium heat, heat the milk. Then melt the remaining 6 Tbsp. butter in another medium saucepan over medium heat. When the butter bubbles, add the flour and whisk, cooking for 1 min. While whisking slowly pour in the hot milk a bit at a time until all is incorporated. Let the mixture thicken and bubble while whisking constantly. Remove from heat and add the salt, nutmeg, white pepper, mustard powder and cayenne pepper. Whisk well. Then add the 5 cups of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan, set cheese sauce aside but stir occasionally so the mixture doesn’t form a skin on top.
• Once water is boiling in the large pasta pot add the macaroni and cook until al dente. You really want it underdone as it will continue to cook in the oven. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water. Stir macaroni into the cheese sauce. Pour mixture into the prepared dish or dishes. Sprinkle on the panko crumbs. Bake for 30-45 min. until browned on the top and bubbling. Let cool for 5 min.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 457kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 21gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 703mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

Nutrition calculation is an estimation only. If you need nutritional calculations for medical reasons, please use a source that you trust.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!