Grandma's Classic Mac and Cheese (Print Version)
Creamy, cheesy, and nostalgic, this mac and cheese recipe is a family favorite!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
Macaroni
02 -
Cheddar cheese
03 -
Milk
04 -
Butter
→ Seasonings & Spices
05 -
Salt
06 -
Pepper
→ Garnish & Toppings
07 -
Breadcrumbs
→ Optional Extras
08 -
Cooked bacon
09 -
Broccoli
# Instructions:
01 -
First up, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Seriously, like a bubbling cauldron! My trick? I always forget to salt the water, but that’s an easy fix. Toss in that macaroni and cook until al dente! You want it to have a little bite, not mushy like my first attempt. Trust me, overcooked pasta is a heartbreaker.
02 -
While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. I love the scent of butter sizzling away, it just feels like home! Add in the milk gradually, whisking like you mean it. This is where I always get a bit too ambitious, and end up splattering milk everywhere—oops! Once it’s warm, stir in the cheese until it's all melty and gooey. This is the moment you know it’s going to be good!
03 -
Drain the pasta and mix it with that delicious sauce in a big bowl. At this point, you can do a taste test—don’t judge, we all do it! Just be careful; it’s hot! If you’re feeling fancy, throw in some cooked bacon or broccoli, because why not?
04 -
In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter and some grated cheese. This is where the magic happens! I often get a bit too excited and add way too many breadcrumbs—making it more like a topping mountain. But hey, if you love it crunchy, go wild!
05 -
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish and sprinkle the topping all over like a cheesy snowstorm! Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. You want it golden brown and bubbling! Keep an eye on it; one time I got distracted and it became more of a mac and cheese brick. Yikes!
06 -
Let it sit for a few minutes before digging in. This is the hardest part, I swear! You’ll want to scoop out that gooey goodness immediately, but trust me, it’s worth the wait. Just imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as you serve it up—pure bliss!
# Notes:
01 -
Always taste your cheese sauce; adjust seasoning before mixing with pasta! Watch the pasta closely! Overcooked macaroni is a total bummer. Let the baked mac sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to let it set a bit.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
saucepan
03 -
mixing bowl
04 -
baking dish
05 -
whisk
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 15g