Name: Best Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 16 oz 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

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!

A Quick Look

Recipe Name: Best Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ready In: 55 minutes
Serves: 12 servings
Main Ingredients: elbow macaroni noodles, butter, butter, flour, whole milk, freshly shredded cheddar cheese, freshly shredded gruyere cheese, salt
Why You'll Love It: 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!

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. You'll be craving a mac and cheese that tastes this good!

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 tablespoon and 1 stick, divided.
Flour: Flour will help thicken up the macaroni and cheese. Use ½ 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. You can use a mild cheddar cheese or sharp cheddar cheese. Can't find gruyere? Gouda will work great!
Salt & pepper: Add flavor with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper.
Spices: Follow the salt and pepper with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of ground mustard, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika.
Breadcrumbs: ¾ 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 tablespoon of butter (melted).
Salt: Last but not least, finish off the recipe with another ¼ teaspoon of salt!

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:

9x13 casserole baking dish
Large pot
Strainer
Large saucepan
Whisk
Stirring utensil
Small mixing bowl
Measuring cups: ¼ tsp, ½ tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, ½ cup, ¾ 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 9x13 casserole dish.

Use a large pot or dutch oven to cook the macaroni according to the instructions. Once cooked, drain and add back to the pot with 1 tablespoon 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 roux 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 a very thick cheese sauce.

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

Pour into the greased 9x13 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)
Adding mustard powder or dry mustard gives an extra spice!

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.

All recipes by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Sierra Inn

Erin Antoniak