The Best Mac and Cheese Ever

4.72 from 7 votes

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that combines tender pasta with a creamy, rich cheese sauce, often baked to golden perfection for a comforting and indulgent dish.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: Side dishes

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cheese, macaroni and cheese, pasta, side dish, stovetop mac and cheese

Servings:

Calories: 1016kcal

Author: Courtney O'Dell

Equipment

Bellemain 5 Qt Metal Colander with Handle | Pasta, Spaghetti, Berry, Fruit, Vegetable, Kitchen Food Strainer Basket | 18/8 Stainless Steel Colander Bowl | Pot Drainer for Cooking, Sifter Strainer
P&P CHEF Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Stockpot (5 QT), Large Stock pot with Visible Lid for Soup Pasta Vegetable, Induction Cooking Pot for All Stoves, Heavy-Duty Pot with Double Handle, Dishwasher Safe

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi
2 cups milk
2 cups heavy cream
8 tablespoons 1 stick unsalted butter divided
½ cup all-purpose flour
12 ounces Extra Sharp Cheddar grated (4 cups)
4 ounces Gruyere grated (1 cup)
4 oz swiss cheese grated (1 cup)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Boil macaroni in a large pot with well salted water.
In a large bowl, whisk together cream, milk, and butter over low heat until butter is melted.
Stir in flour and whisk until creamy smooth.
Slowly stir in cheese, letting it melt in small batches as you add to mixture.
When macaroni is al dente, drain water well and add to cheese sauce.
Stir to evenly coat.
Top with fresh grated pepper and parmesan cheese.
Enjoy!

Nutrition