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A close-up of a bubbling, golden-brown baked mac and cheese casserole, fresh from the oven.

Best Ever Mac and Cheese

A creamy, comforting, and incredibly easy mac and cheese recipe that comes together in just three essential steps, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing side dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Mac and Cheese Ingredients
  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni uncooked
  • 1/4 cup Butter
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 cups Milk warm
  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

Making the Mac and Cheese
  1. Cook the macaroni until al dente according to package directions; drain and set aside.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter, stir in flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in warm milk until thickened.
  3. Remove from heat, stir in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until melted and smooth, then combine with the cooked macaroni.

Notes

For an extra crispy topping, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.