With a blend of THREE CHEESES, this mac and cheese recipe makes the ultimate comfort food meal. Better than anything from a box, and it only takes 30 minutes to make!
Prep time: PT10M
Cook time: PT20M
Total time: PT30M
Rating
5 stars (21 reviews)
Keywords
macaroni and cheese
Ingredients
1 pound elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour ((2 ounces))
4 cups whole milk
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Optional: 1 clove garlic, (grated (highly recommended, see notes))
12 ounces freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese ((preferably extra sharp))
6 ounces freshly grated American cheese ((deli counter only, see notes))
6 ounces freshly grated gruyere cheese
Optional: Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Categories
Main Course
Cuisine
American
Steps
In a large Dutch oven or saucepan, bring about 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the macaroni until al dente. Drain through a colander, rinsing briefly to keep the pasta from sticking.
Rinse the saucepan with cool water and dry off, then place back on the burner over low heat and add the butter (if the pan is still hot, remove from the heat while the butter melts to keep it from browning).
Once the butter has melted, add the flour and begin whisking to form a paste. Continue whisking constantly over low heat until the paste (technically known as a roux), turns slightly yellow and begins to smell fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk, then turn the heat up to high. Whisk in the mustard, cayenne pepper, and garlic, if using.
Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce bubbles and thickens, 7-10 minutes. You’re looking for the consistency of cream soup.
Once thick, remove from the heat and slowly whisk in the cheeses, one handful at a time. Make sure to do this off the heat. Once the sauce is smooth, stir in the macaroni.
Divide into individual portions and serve.
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 554 kcal
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Protein: 32 g
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Cholesterol: 106 mg
Sodium: 546 mg
Sugar: 8 g
Reviews
Angel on 2022-04-05 (5 stars): This was great! I used mild cheddar, gruyere and smoked Swiss with 2% milk because that’s all I had. I topped it with fresh basil and chopped bacon! Mmmmm
Sydnie on 2020-11-02 (5 stars): Any kind of fancy version of mac and cheese I try for my family! And this one is good!
Lauren Kleiman on 2020-10-12 (5 stars): There is nothing more comforting than homemade mac and cheese especially with ingredients like these.
Shadi Hasanzadenemati on 2020-10-12 (5 stars): My family is going to love this, thank you for the recipe!
Kelly Stilwell on 2020-10-11 (5 stars): This really is the ultimate comfort food and so easy to make. Thank you.
Britni on 2020-10-02 (5 stars): This was so yummy with all three cheeses! Definitely adding this to our weekly meal plan - the kids loved it!
Gina on 2020-09-28 (5 stars): This mac and cheese was incredible! Definitely making again!
Samantha Dawn on 2020-09-28 (5 stars): We love the blend of melty cheeses in this Mac and Cheese recipe (especially the gruyere).
Nehal Preet on 2020-02-28 (5 stars): Hey dear, I am so in love with the blend of cheeses used in this quick and easy mac and cheese recipe!! Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe with all of us. Much love and regards.
Claudia Lamascolo on 2019-09-03 (5 stars): No matter what meal you plan on meat wise mac and cheese is always the best side dish. I like the stove top method the best!
Chrysa on 2019-09-02 (5 stars): I have been looking for the perfect homemade mac and cheese recipe. Thanks for giving it to me!
Kalee on 2019-08-20 (5 stars): I always love mac and cheese, but this recipe is step above anything I've tried from the store. I had no idea it was so easy to make from scratch. Thank you!
Suzy on 2019-08-20 (5 stars): This is so easy to make and incredibly good! One of our favorites!
Lori @ RecipeGirl on 2018-10-05 (5 stars): Thanks for the tips on lightening up this recipe. We love it!
Toni | Boulder Locavore on 2018-10-05 (5 stars): Looks like a new favorite in my house!
