10/08/2026
🧀 CLASSIC MAC 'N' CHEESE — Creamy, Cheesy & Pure Comfort! 🧀
Some recipes just never go out of style. ❤️
This Classic Mac 'n' Cheese is rich, creamy, ridiculously cheesy, and made with a homemade cheddar and Monterey Jack sauce that coats every little elbow of pasta.
And you've got options! Keep it stovetop-style for the ultimate creamy bowl of comfort, or top it with buttery breadcrumbs and bake it until golden and bubbling. 🤤
Either way, this is one of those recipes that's going to disappear FAST!
🛒 Ingredients
🧀 For the Mac 'n' Cheese:
12 oz elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon mustard powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
🥖 Optional Crispy Topping:
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon melted butter
👩🍳 Directions
1️⃣ Cook the macaroni 🍝
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until just tender. Be careful not to overcook it since it will continue cooking if you choose to bake the mac and cheese.
Drain well and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the roux 🧈
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates the base for that silky cheese sauce.
3️⃣ Add the dairy 🥛
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream.
Keep whisking as you pour so the sauce stays smooth and lump-free.
Cook for 3–5 minutes, whisking frequently, until the mixture has thickened slightly.
4️⃣ Bring on the cheese! 🧀
Reduce the heat to low.
Add the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper.
Stir gently until all the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Try not to let the sauce boil once the cheese is added.
5️⃣ Add the pasta 🍝
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce.
Stir until every piece of pasta is completely coated in that glorious cheesy goodness. 😍
🔥 Stovetop Version
Serve immediately while it's hot, creamy, and extra gooey.
🥖 Baked Version
Want that crispy golden topping?
Transfer the mac and cheese to a lightly greased baking dish.
Mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
💡 Easy Tips
🧀 Shred your own cheese: Freshly shredded cheese generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
🔥 Don't overbake: You want bubbling, golden perfection—not dried-out mac and cheese!
🥛 For extra creaminess: If the stovetop version gets thicker than you'd like, stir in a small splash of warm milk before serving.
🌶️ Want to change it up? Add crispy bacon, diced jalapeños, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or a pinch of smoked paprika.
🧀 Save this recipe for the next comfort-food craving! Tag someone who believes mac and cheese should be its own food group. 😂❤️