Classic Macaroni Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this Classic Macaroni Cheese recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or indulgent gatherings. Featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, nutty Parmesan, and a touch of Dijon mustard for depth, every bite bursts with rich, satisfying flavor. Finished with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping, this dish offers the perfect balance of creamy and crispy textures. Ready in just 45 minutes and serving six, it’s a quick and easy comfort food staple that your whole family will love. Pair it with a crisp green salad or serve it as a hearty standalone meal. Perfect for keywords like "classic mac and cheese," "creamy macaroni cheese," and "easy baked mac and cheese recipe," this timeless favorite is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams elbow macaroni
• 60 grams unsalted butter
• 40 grams all-purpose flour
• 750 milliliters whole milk
• 300 grams cheddar cheese, grated
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 50 grams breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 2-liter baking dish with olive oil.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes until light golden.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce is thickened and smooth, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the grated cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is well coated.

Step 7

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 8

Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 10

Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your classic macaroni cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1809.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4741.5

Total Fat 216.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 121.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 597.1mg	0%
Sodium 6590.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 501.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.0g	0%
Total Sugars 58.7g
Protein 203.5g	0%

Vitamin D 404.6IU	0%
Calcium 3692.6mg	0%
Iron 24.5mg	0%
Potassium 1551.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.8%

Protein: 17.1%

Carbs: 42.1%