Classic Mac and Cheese
This classic mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and topped with a golden bubbly cheese crust. Made with a smooth homemade cheese sauce and tender elbow macaroni, this comforting baked macaroni and cheese is perfect for holidays, family dinners, or cozy weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 10 MINUTES
- Broil Time: 3-5 Minutes
- Cook Time: 20 MINUTES
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6-8 SERVINGS 1x
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2½ cups whole milk, room temperature
5 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½–1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
1 (16-ounce) box elbow macaroni, cooked according to package instructions
Instructions
1. Preheat oven
Preheat the oven to broil.
2. Make the roux
In a medium Dutch oven or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted and bubbling, whisk in the flour. Cook while whisking constantly for about 2 minutes.
3. Make the sauce
Slowly whisk in the milk. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 10–15 minutes.
4. Add cheese and seasonings
Reduce heat to low. Working in batches, whisk in 4 cups of the shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cream cheese, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and hot sauce. Whisk until completely combined.
5. Add pasta
Stir the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
6. Broil the topping
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheese over the top. Broil until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and lightly browned, about 3–5 minutes.
7. Serve
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
Always shred cheese fresh for the smoothest sauce.
• Room temperature milk prevents the sauce from seizing.
• Broiling the top gives the mac and cheese its classic golden crust.
Find it online: https://www.firsthomelovelife.com/classic-mac-and-cheese/