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Best Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★ 20 Reviews Recipe Print
By: Erin11/1/22

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Best Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe
Best Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe

Try this staple recipe for the ultimate comforting side dish! Made with two types of cheese and a whole lot of spice, this is the Best Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe you’ll make all year!

macaroni and cheese

The best traditional mac and cheese recipe

What’s cozy and cheesy and always a good meal idea? Macaroni and cheese, of course! And when it’s this good, it’s impossible to not have seconds.

Today, I’m showing you how to make the best classic mac and cheese recipe made with lots of butter and milk and two different kinds of cheese. To finish it off, we add a special breadcrumb layer that transforms the top of the dish into golden brown deliciousness!

Ingredients in this classic macaroni and cheese

Classic macaroni and cheese is made with a variety of cheeses. That’s the golden rule! For the best flavor, two different types are a must. This one uses a blend of cheddar and gruyere (5.5 cups of cheese total) for the ultimate creamy dish.

  • Noodles: First up are the noodles. You’ll need 16 oz of elbow macaroni.
  • Butter: Next, you will need some butter. You will need 1 tbsp and 1 stick, divided.
  • Flour: Flour will help thicken up the macaroni and cheese. Use 1/2 cup.
  • Milk: Next, achieve the right texture with the addition of 4 cups of whole milk.
  • Cheddar cheese: Finally, the cheese! Use 3 cups of freshly shredded cheddar and 2.5 cups of freshly shredded gruyere.
  • Salt & pepper: Add flavor with 1 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper.
  • Spices: Follow the salt and pepper with 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1/2 tsp of ground mustard, 1/4 tsp of nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp of smoked paprika.
  • Breadcrumbs: 3/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs will add a nice top layer to the mac and cheese.
  • Butter: Near the end of the recipe, you will need 2 more tbsp of butter (melted).
  • Salt: Last but not least, finish off the recipe with another 1/4 tsp of salt!
macaroni and cheese

Kitchen tools you’ll need to prepare this recipe

Seven main kitchen tools are needed to make homemade mac and cheese, in addition to a variety of measuring cups. Find the complete list below:

  • 9×13 casserole dish
  • Large pot
  • Strainer
  • Large saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Stirring utensil
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups: 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, 1/2 cup, 3/4 cup, 1 cup

How to make the best traditional mac and cheese recipe

Boxed mac and cheese? Forget about it! After giving this recipe a go, you’ll never want to eat mac from the box again. Here’s how this spectacular homemade version is done!

To begin, preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.

Use a large pot to cook the macaroni according to the instructions. Once cooked, drain and add back to the pot with 1 tbsp of butter to prevent sticking.

Then, use a large saucepan to heat a stick of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until everything is combined. Slowly add in the milk, whisking the entire time. Let this cook for about 8-10 minutes over medium heat or until it turns into a very thick mixture. Be sure to stir often.

Once the milk mixture has thickened greatly, turn off the heat and add the cheese. Stir it in and let it melt. Then, add all of the spices and stir until all of the cheese has melted and is very thick.

Pour the cheese mixture on top of the noodles and mix until well combined.

Pour into the greased 9×13 pan.

Next, use a small bowl to mix together the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and salt. Sprinkle this over the macaroni.

Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly, and broil for 3-4 minutes at the end for an extra crispy brown crust. Be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning!

Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Spice up your mac and cheese with these mix-ins

Did you know that you can add mix-ins to your macaroni and cheese? It’s true! By adding a few extra ingredients, you can totally transform the flavor while still maintaining that great, cozy cheesiness. Here are some ideas!

  • Bacon
  • Jalapenos
  • Onion
  • Shredded chicken for extra protein
  • Tomatoes
  • Parmesan
  • Bacon (because it deserves to be on the list twice)

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Cook up some delicious recipes that the entire family will enjoy with these casserole ideas. There are options for both breakfast and lunch/dinner! Find even more ideas here.

  • Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole
  • Broccoli Cheddar Spaghetti Squash Casserole
  • Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole
  • Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe

All recipes by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Sierra Inn

macaroni and cheese
macaroni and cheese
★★★★★ 5 from 20 reviews

Best Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe

Try this staple recipe for the ultimate comforting side dish! Made with two types of cheese and a whole lot of spice, this is the Best Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe you’ll make all year!

Prep: 30Cook: 25Total: 55 minutes
Yield 12 servings 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

  • 16oz elbow macaroni noodles
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 3 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2.5 cups freshly shredded gruyere cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground mustard
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and grease 9×13 casserole dish.
  2. In a large pot, cook macaroni according to instructions. Drain and then add back to pot with one tbsp butter to keep from sticking.
  3. In a large sauce pan, heat stick of butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until all combined. Slowly add in the milk, whisking the entire time. Let this cook for about 8-10 minutes over medium heat or until it turns into a very thick mixture. Be sure to stir often.
  4. Once the milk mixture has thickened greatly, turn off heat and add in cheese. Stir it in and let it melt. Add all the spices to the mixture, and stir until all the cheese has melted and is very thick.
  5. Pour the cheese mixture over top of the noodles and mix until well combined.
  6. Pour into greased 9×13 pan.
  7. In a small bowl, mix together panko, melted butter, and salt. Sprinkle over macaroni.
  8. Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Broil for 3-4 minutes at the end for an extra crispy brown crust, keep an eye on it!
  9. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Author: ErinCategory: holiday, dinner, side dishMethod: ovenCuisine: American
macaroni and cheese

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

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There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

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chocolate chip cookies
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Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Hannah S says

    Posted on 12/24 at 3:29 pm

    This is BOMB. Lol so so creamy and cheesy and was such a hit with my friends!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/27 at 4:01 pm

      Hi Hannah, so happy everyone loved it!

      Reply
  2. Devan says

    Posted on 12/5 at 10:09 pm

    I made this for thanksgiving – it was my family’s first time having Mac n cheese at thanksgiving. My mom said “think we are going to need to have this every year!” I also made it again last week with leftover ingredients. Sooo good.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/6 at 10:23 am

      Hi Devan, so happy it was a hit! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Meg G says

    Posted on 12/5 at 7:31 pm

    Erin this was perfect! Thank you!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/6 at 10:22 am

      Hi Meg, so happy you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  4. Chloe says

    Posted on 12/5 at 12:30 am

    This was truly the best Mac and cheese I have ever made. The multiple cheeses made it a perfect combination of salty and creamy. I will definitely be making this again.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/5 at 3:14 pm

      Hi Chloe, so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  5. Erika says

    Posted on 12/4 at 9:57 pm

    Made this for thanksgiving dinner ! My family was RAVING about it. Made way too much, but nothing went to waste 😋 Gruyère cheese was a great touch!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/5 at 2:59 pm

      Hi Erika, so glad it was a hit! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Brittany says

    Posted on 12/4 at 9:47 pm

    So so good! Was a huge hit at Friendsgiving and will definitely make again!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/5 at 2:58 pm

      Hi Brittany, so glad you loved it!

      Reply
  7. Ashley says

    Posted on 12/4 at 9:00 pm

    Delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/5 at 2:54 pm

      Hi Ashley, so glad you loved it!

      Reply
  8. Annette Norton says

    Posted on 12/4 at 8:27 pm

    Made this for thanksgiving and it was a huge hit!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/5 at 2:52 pm

      Hi Annette, so glad you loved it!

      Reply
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I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

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