This easy to make recipe for Classic Macaroni and Cheese uses 3 kinds of cheese. Your family will love this ultimate comfort food with its creamy, cheesy, yummy flavour.
Classic Macaroni and Cheese starts off by making a simple béchamel sauce (white sauce). A combination of Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack and Gruyere are added, then its flavoured with a hint of dry mustard, paprika and Himalayan pink salt. The dish is then finished off with a cheesy breadcrumb topping and baked to perfection.
I usually make a total mess of the kitchen when I cook, so using the least amount of dishes the better. Using my favourite copper skillet, I was able to cook, bake and serve in one pot! Toss up a simple salad to go with the mac and cheese and you have a meal that works for everyday, yet tasty enough for company.
Classic Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups macaroni uncooked
- 4 oz cheddar cheese grated strong or old
- 4 oz Monterey Jack cheese grated
- 3 oz Gruyere cheese grated
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 ½ cup milk
- 4 tbsp bread crumbs I used panko
- Himalayan pink salt any salt will do, but I prefer the taste of Himalayan
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain, then stir in a pat of butter to prevent sticking.
- Preheat oven to 400º
- In large skillet on medium heat melt 4 tablespoons of butter, stir in flour and dry mustard to make a roux. Cook for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth.
- Slowly bring to a boil, whisking continuously, until sauce thickens.
- Season with ½ teaspoon paprika and salt to taste.
- Mix all the cheeses together, then stir half of the cheese into sauce.
- Mix well until cheese has melted and sauce is smooth.
- Add macaroni and combine well.
- Pour mixture into baking dish.
- Combine remaining cheese, breadcrumbs and ½ teaspoon paprika together.
- Sprinkle over macaroni mixture.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until top is golden brown.
Lise @MomLovesBaking
This is my daughter's favorite food!
Laureen King
I bet she loves the "made from scratch" mac n cheese the best!
Christie
I love gruyere...I bet it's amazing in this mac and cheese!
Laureen King
Me too, one of the best cheeses to cook with
Nancy | The Bitter Side of Sweet
The classics are always the best!
Laureen King
For sure, they always seem to be family favourites.
J @ Bless Her Heart Y'all
This looks so creamy and dreamy! I can only imagine how delicious this dish is!
Laureen King
thank you J
Laureen King
Thanks Lauren, yes Gruyere is one of my favourite cheese to use for cooking.
Tara
There is nothing that takes away the winter blues like mac and cheese, yours looks amazing!!
Laureen King
Thanks Tara, yes for our Alberta winters we need that comfort food.
Brenda
It sounds delicious!
Brenda
My husband loves this kind of dish! I will make it for sure.
Laureen King
My husband does too Brenda, good old comfort food.