Smith's Classic Macaroni and Cheese

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, comforting baked macaroni and cheese with a golden, crunchy topping, made with real cheese and a velvety sauce. This 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 420 calories and feeds 8, 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.

★ 4.0 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 8 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook 8 oz elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly.
  3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk, then add 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes).
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in cooked macaroni.
  5. Step 5: Pour mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over macaroni.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smith's Classic Macaroni and Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Smith's Classic 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 Smith's Classic 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 Smith's Classic Macaroni and Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Smith's Classic Macaroni and Cheese?

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.

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