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A close-up of a bubbling, golden-brown baked mac and cheese casserole, fresh from the oven.

Best way to make Mac and Cheese with 3 essential steps

A classic comfort food, this mac and cheese recipe is designed for simplicity and deliciousness, delivering a creamy, cheesy dish in just three essential steps.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Macaroni
  • 225 g elbow macaroni
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 200 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cooking the Macaroni
  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce
  1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for one minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until combined and thickened, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and melted; season with salt and pepper.
Combining and Serving
  1. Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

For the creamiest mac and cheese, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese rather than pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly. You can also experiment with a blend of cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.