Better Than Mom’s Mac ‘N Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly rich, this Better Than Mom’s Mac ‘N Cheese takes the classic comfort dish to the next level. Made with a luxurious cheese sauce and tender pasta baked to golden perfection, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave something indulgent.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Whisk
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Saucepan

Ingredients Overview

• Pasta: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but shells or cavatappi also work well.
• Cheese: A mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyère for creamy, gooey perfection.
• Milk and Cream: The base of the rich, velvety sauce.
• Butter and Flour: To create a roux for thickening the sauce.
• Breadcrumb Topping: Adds a crispy, golden finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Cook 1 pound of pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce

• In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
• Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
• Stir in 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese until melted. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika.

3. Combine Pasta and Sauce

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Stir until well coated.

4. Assemble and Bake

• Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish.
• In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

5. Serve and Enjoy

• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Recipe Tips

• For extra creaminess, stir in an additional ½ cup of cream before baking.
• Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Parmesan.
• Add cooked  roasted garlic, or sautéed veggies for a twist.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• A crisp green salad to balance the richness.
• Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans.
• Garlic bread for an extra indulgent pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it without the breadcrumb topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping and bake before serving.

Can I freeze mac ‘n cheese?
Absolutely! Freeze it unbaked in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs are great alternatives.

Ingredients

• For the Mac ‘N Cheese:
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• For the Topping:
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish. Cook pasta until al dente.
2. Make a roux with butter and flour. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking until thickened.
3. Stir in cheeses and seasonings until smooth.
4. Combine pasta and cheese sauce, then transfer to the baking dish.
5. Top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter. Bake for 20–25 minutes.

This Better Than Mom’s Mac ‘N Cheese is a heartwarming dish that’s sure to please the entire family!

Creamy, cheesy,

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly rich, this Better Than Mom's Mac 'N Cheese takes the classic comfort dish to the next level. Made with a luxurious cheese sauce and tender pasta baked to golden perfection, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave something indulgent.

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Equipment

• Large pot
• Whisk
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Saucepan

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• For the Topping:
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish. Cook pasta until al dente.
• Make a roux with butter and flour. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking until thickened.
• Stir in cheeses and seasonings until smooth.
• Combine pasta and cheese sauce, then transfer to the baking dish.
• Top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter. Bake for 20–25 minutes.
• This Better Than Mom's Mac 'N Cheese is a heartwarming dish that’s sure to please the entire family!