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Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

How to make the richest, creamiest, cheesiest mac and cheese that everyone will love. This homemade macaroni and cheese is the perfect comfort food recipe.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 8
Course: Side Dish , Main Course , Dinner , Others

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. macaroni
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 3 cups Half-n-Half
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons salt plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried mustard
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese grated (divided)
  • 2 cups gruyere cheese or Swiss, grated (divided)
  • Optional Topping:
  • 1 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions. Drain.
  2. Meanwhile, melt butter over medium heat in large saucepan or skillet. Once butter is melted, stir in flour and use a whisk to make a smooth paste.
  3. Stir in half-n-half and keep whisking until smooth. Stir in whole milk. Cook until thickened and begins to coat the back of a spoon.
  4. Add salt, pepper, nutmeg, and dried mustard.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in 2 cups (reserve 2 cups for later) of sharp cheddar cheese, in small increments, and keep whisking until melted. This helps to keep the cheese from clumping. Stir in 2 cups of Gruyere cheese until creamy.
  6. Toss drained pasta with creamy cheese sauce.
  7. Pour 1/2 pasta mixture into 9 x 13 baking dish. Top with 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese. Top with remaining mac n' cheese.
  8. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese.
  9. Optional: top with panko breadcrumbs.
  10. Bake at 350 degrees for 5-6 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and melted or place under the broil setting for 2-3 minutes.

Notes

  • Adapted from Ina Garten