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Deluxe Mac and Cheese for Two
5 from 18 votes

Deluxe Mac and Cheese for Two

Deluxe Mac and Cheese for Two combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan. A creamy béchamel base seasoned with cayenne and nutmeg gives it a subtle warmth. Topped with buttered bread cubes for a crisp, golden crust, this baked dish is sized perfectly for two servings.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 2 to 4 servings
Calories: 421 kcal
Course: Side Dish, Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Special Equipment
  • 7x5-inch Baking Dish
Pasta
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni 5oz, or small shells
Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter salted, 1oz
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 15 g
  • 1 cup milk any percentage
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese divided, shredded, sharp, 4oz
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese divided, shredded, 2oz, or Pecorino Romano
  • Pinch cayenne pepper optional
  • Pinch nutmeg optional
  • black pepper to taste
  • salt to taste
Topping
  • 2 lices white bread cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon butter melted, 1/2 oz

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 7x5-inch baking dish (or any oven-safe dish of a similar size).
  2. In a medium pot of salted water, cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. While your pasta is cooking, in a medium pot, over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk together until golden, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Whisk in milk and continue whisking constantly until mixture thickens and becomes bubbly, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add 2/3 of the Cheddar and 2/3 of the Parmesan and stir until smooth. Add a generous pinch of cayenne and nutmeg (if desired) and salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Add drained pasta to your cheese sauce and stir. Pour mac and cheese into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining Cheddar and Parmesan over the top.
  5. Place your bread cubes into a medium bowl and pour melted butter over the top. Stir to coat all the cubes. Pile bread over your mac and cheese. (If your baking dish looks precariously full, place on a cookie sheet before putting it into the oven to avoid overflow.) Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until bread is toasted.
  6. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use salted butter for the roux to simplify seasoning; adjust salt later to taste.
  • Pinches of cayenne and nutmeg can be omitted or adjusted according to preference.
  • Butter the bread cubes thoroughly to ensure a crisp, golden topping after baking.
  • Prepare the sauce over medium heat and whisk constantly to avoid lumps in the béchamel.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture, as the crust softens upon standing.

Nutrition Information

Calories 421kcal (21%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2 to 4 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 421

% Daily Value*

Calories 421kcal 21%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.