Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any table. This creamy, cheesy dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in. In this guide, we’ll walk you through making the best mac and cheese serving 8 people, complete with a detailed ingredient list, cooking instructions, and helpful tips. Plus, we’ll provide nutritional information and a calorie count to keep your meal balanced.
The Best Mac & Cheese: A Comfort Food Classic
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
45 minutes
Additional Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- For the Mac & Cheese
- 500 g (about 1 lb) elbow macaroni
- 70 g (about 5 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 70 g (about ½ cup) all-purpose flour
- 800 ml (about 3 ⅓ cups) whole milk
- 400 g (about 3 ½ cups) mature cheddar cheese, grated
- 15 g (about 1 tbsp) Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- For the Topping
- 80 g (about ¾ cup) panko breadcrumbs
- 30 g (about 2 tbsp) melted butter (optional for extra crispiness)
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes).
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk in three parts, ensuring each addition thickens before adding more.
- Once the sauce is thickened and smooth, reduce heat to low.
- Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until completely melted.
- Mix in the Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and white pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until all pasta is well coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased ovenproof dish.
- Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top and drizzle with melted butter if using.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Serve
- Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade mac & cheese hot!
Tips & Notes
- Cheese Selection: Using high-quality mature cheddar will enhance flavor significantly compared to mild cheddar.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare this dish up to 24 hours in advance; just cover it tightly with foil before baking.
- Additions: Consider adding cooked bacon lardons, sautéed mushrooms, or even steamed broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 36185Total Fat: 1196gSaturated Fat: 683gTrans Fat: 40gUnsaturated Fat: 398gCholesterol: 3733mgSodium: 24265mgCarbohydrates: 4575gFiber: 178gSugar: 1305gProtein: 1717g
Macaroni and cheese is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that brings people together. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
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