Classic Macaroni and Cheese with Garlic Bread
A creamy, cheesy comfort dish with crispy garlic bread for a perfect side. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 70 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, milk, butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup, grated cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 baguette, sliced bread
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup, chopped parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, bring 4 quarts salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup elbow macaroni and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour until a roux forms. Gradually pour in 1 cup milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup grated cheddar cheese until melted. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 cup pasta water to reach a creamy consistency.
- Step 4: Transfer macaroni to a baking dish, pour the cheese sauce over it, and bake for 20 minutes until golden. Meanwhile, toast 1 baguette slices with 1 tbsp butter and sprinkle with parsley.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Macaroni and Cheese with Garlic Bread take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (30 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Classic Macaroni and Cheese with Garlic Bread?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep elbow macaroni from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Macaroni and Cheese with Garlic Bread?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic Macaroni and Cheese with Garlic Bread for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic Macaroni and Cheese with Garlic Bread?
American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
