Classic Baked American Macaroni
Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich, creamy baked macaroni and cheese. Featuring a velvety homemade cheese sauce and a golden, bubbly crust.

Ingredients

• 400 g macaroni pasta
• 60 g butter
• 60 g all-purpose flour
• 700 ml milk
• 200 g cheddar cheese, sliced
• 100 g parmesan cheese, shredded
• 100 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp cheese powder
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the cheese

   

   Take the slices of cheddar cheese and cut them into smaller pieces on a wooden cutting board. Preparing the cheese this way helps it melt more evenly into the sauce.

   Tip: Using a mix of cheese types can create a more complex flavor profile.
2. 2Boil the macaroni

   

   Add the dry macaroni pasta into a pot of boiling water. Cook until the pasta reaches the desired texture, typically al dente.

   Tip: Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water to enhance the flavor of the pasta.
3. 3Melt the butter

   

   Place a block of butter into a pot over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely until it begins to bubble slightly.

   Tip: Keep an eye on the butter to ensure it doesnt brown too quickly.
4. 4Make the roux

   

   Stir flour into the melted butter in the pot. Cook the mixture while whisking to create a smooth roux, which will thicken your cheese sauce.

   Tip: Whisking constantly ensures no lumps form in your roux.
5. 5Create the sauce base

   

   Slowly pour milk into the roux while whisking constantly. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.

   Tip: Use room temperature milk to help it incorporate more smoothly into the hot roux.
6. 6Add the cheeses

   

   Add the prepared cheddar slices and shredded parmesan into the thickened white sauce. Whisk continuously until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.

   Tip: Remove the pot from the heat before adding the cheese to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy.
7. 7Prepare the cheese sauce

   

   Add the cheese powder into the creamy base in the pot. Use a whisk to stir continuously until the powder is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth and velvety.

   Tip: Whisk thoroughly to ensure no lumps of cheese powder remain in the sauce.
8. 8Season the sauce

   

   Season the prepared cheese sauce with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well to distribute the seasoning evenly throughout the mixture.

   Tip: Taste your sauce before adding salt, as the cheese powder may already contain sodium.
9. 9Combine pasta and sauce

   

   Add the cooked macaroni noodles to the cheese sauce. Use a whisk or spatula to fold the pasta gently into the sauce, ensuring every noodle is perfectly coated.

   Tip: Keep the pasta slightly al dente so it holds its shape while mixing with the hot sauce.
10. 10Prepare for baking

    

    Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a baking-safe metal pan. Evenly sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top to create a delicious, golden-brown crust when baked.

    Tip: For an even better crust, you can mix the mozzarella with a little bit of breadcrumbs.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions