Dakota Dairy-Style Macaroni and Cheese
A creamy, crowd-pleasing mac and cheese with a hint of mustard and North Dakota cheddar, baked to golden perfection. This midwest american-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, butter, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mild cheddar cheese
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook 12 oz elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until golden, then gradually whisk in 2 cups milk until smooth and thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, 1/2 cup shredded mild cheddar, 1/4 tsp mustard powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until cheese is fully melted and sauce is glossy.
- Step 4: Add drained macaroni to cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Transfer to a greased baking dish, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tbsp melted butter. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dakota Dairy-Style Macaroni and Cheese take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Dakota Dairy-Style Macaroni and Cheese?
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 Dakota Dairy-Style Macaroni and Cheese?
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 Dakota Dairy-Style Macaroni and Cheese 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 Dakota Dairy-Style Macaroni and Cheese?
Midwest 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
- ★★★★★
I've tried many pasta recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
