The Ultimate Classic Macaroni and Cheese
A creamy, cheesy masterpiece with a golden breadcrumb crust that’s the best comfort food for any weeknight, featuring perfectly al dente pasta and a velvety cheese sauce. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour 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
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until golden, then slowly whisk in 2 cups whole milk until thickened and coating the back of a spoon (3-4 minutes).
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low, then stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp nutmeg until fully melted and smooth.
- Step 4: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and toss until every piece is coated. Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Step 5: Mix 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp melted butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the macaroni. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbling around the edges.
- Step 6: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does The Ultimate Classic Macaroni and Cheese take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 The Ultimate 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 The Ultimate 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 The Ultimate Classic 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 The Ultimate 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
