Description
Craving creamy comfort food that hits the spot every time? Buttery Mac and Cheese is the ultimate go-to for quick dinners, lazy weekend lunches, or indulgent food ideas that never fail. This easy recipe brings together tender elbow macaroni and a rich, buttery cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and mozzarella. It’s a quick dinner winner, a kid-approved favorite, and a classic that stands strong among your favorite dinner ideas or easy meals. Whether you’re in need of a cozy snack or a side dish to impress, this healthy-ish comfort bowl delivers every time with a dreamy, velvety texture you won’t forget.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Pinch of paprika or ground mustard (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (around 7–8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute until the mixture bubbles into a smooth paste.
3. Gradually pour in the warm milk and cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue until the mixture thickens (about 3–5 minutes).
4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella a handful at a time until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and optional paprika or mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Fold in the drained macaroni gently until fully coated in cheese sauce. Add a splash of milk if a looser texture is desired.
6. Optional: For a baked version, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), transfer to a greased baking dish, top with cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until golden.
Notes
Always use freshly grated cheese for the creamiest texture—pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Don’t overcook your pasta; al dente ensures it holds its texture when mixed into the hot cheese sauce.
Let the sauce cool slightly before adding the cheese to prevent a grainy texture or oil separation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main or Side
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg