Home Style Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and creamy Home Style Macaroni and Cheese recipe! Perfectly al dente elbow macaroni is enveloped in a decadent, velvety cheese sauce made from a trio of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, with a hint of mustard powder for depth. With its golden breadcrumb topping and optional oven-baked perfection, this dish delivers both indulgent flavor and comforting texture. Ready in under an hour, it's an easy-to-make classic that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Discover how to make this crowd-pleasing favorite that’s sure to be a hit at any table!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2.5 cups Whole milk
• 0.5 cups Heavy cream
• 2 cups Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground mustard powder
• 0.5 cups Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil or melted butter (optional, for breadcrumbs)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you plan to bake the macaroni and cheese.

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and mustard powder. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7

Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until all the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 8

If desired, transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle them evenly over the top.

Step 9

Bake the macaroni and cheese uncovered in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 10

Let the macaroni and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1452.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3738.9

Total Fat 236.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 136.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g
Cholesterol 679.7mg	0%
Sodium 5840.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 242.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.8g	0%
Total Sugars 39.6g
Protein 157.0g	0%

Vitamin D 268.4IU	0%
Calcium 3665.8mg	0%
Iron 10.2mg	0%
Potassium 1033.6mg	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: 57.2%

Protein: 16.8%

Carbs: 26.0%