Mac & cheese is an undisputed comfort food classic that can mean something different to everyone. It's macaroni and cheese made with the best butter, whole milk, and every type of cheese you could ever desire. There are a few ingredients that make this the best macaroni and cheese ever. Adding an egg to mac and cheese makes the sauce smooth, velvety, and heavenly rich.
How To Make Mac and Cheese
I tested this Mac and Cheese recipe multiple times to ensure it meets all of these requirements with flying colors, so you can put that box back on the shelf.
Ingredients
🔖16 oz. uncooked large elbow macaroni, large shells, or cavatappi pasta
🔖 1/3 cup grated yellow onion
🔖 2 tsp. dry mustard
🔖 6 Tbsp. salted butter
🔖 1/8 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
🔖 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
🔖 6 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
🔖 1 tsp. kosher salt
🔖 1/4 tsp. black pepper
🔖 1 3/4 cups heavy cream
🔖 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
🔖 3 1/2 cups milk
🔖 4 oz. sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup), plus 4 oz. diced (about 1 cup), divided
🔖 4 oz. extra-sharp yellow Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup), plus 4 oz. diced (about 1 cup), divided
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F:
While the oven is preheating, prepare the baking dish and pasta.
Boil the pasta:
Bring the water to a rolling boil and add salt to taste. Follow the instructions on the pasta packet. We are using elbow macaroni pasta for this recipe, and boil it to al dente.
Make the béchamel sauce:
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, dry mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add flour, and cook, stirring, until golden, 2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Bring to a boil, whisking occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, whisking, until slightly thickened, 5 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce.
Add cheese:
Remove saucepan from heat; stir in 3/4 cup each of shredded Cheddar cheeses until melted. (Reserve the remaining 1/4 cup of each of the shredded cheeses.) Stir in pasta and diced cheeses. Pour into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch (3-quart) baking dish.
Bake macaroni and cheese:
Bake on a rimmed baking sheet in a preheated oven until bubbly and golden, 30 minutes. Remove from oven; increase oven temperature to broil. Sprinkle with reserved shredded cheeses; broil 6 inches from the heat until cheeses are melted and golden, about 2 minutes. Remove from oven; cool slightly on a wire rack, about 15 minutes.
What To Serve With Mac and Cheese
You'll need a great dinner to accompany this side. We recommend these Southern favorites:
❐ Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs
❐ Zucchini Fritters
❐ Cajun-Style Meatloaf
❐ Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
❐ Smothered Pork Chops
Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese
✅ A better melt:
Keep the heat low when melting the cheese. High heat can cause burning
✅ A faster mix:
Using room temperature milk and heavy cream will help the sauce thicken faster.
✅ Shred your own cheese:
Buying packets of shredded cheese may make prep easier, but packaged shredded cheese is often coated to prevent clumping and doesn't melt as cheese should.
If you try this tasty Mac & Cheese recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know. And also try our Creamy tomato Pasta recipe as well!
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