Our Baked Mac Cheese: 7 Ways to Elevate This Classic Dish...

Our Best Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe for Family Dinners!

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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions, but remove it about 1-2 minutes before it’s fully al dente. Drain and toss with a tiny bit of butter or oil.
Prepare Your Cheese: Grate all your cheeses to ensure they melt smoothly into your sauce.
Make the Roux: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until a thick paste forms.
Create the Béchamel: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Season the Sauce: Remove from heat and stir in the dry mustard, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasonings as needed.
Melt in the Cheese: Add the grated cheeses to the sauce in handfuls, stirring until each addition is melted and smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is coated.
Choose Your Finish: For Baked Mac and Cheese, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, add toppings if using, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let it rest before serving. For Stovetop Mac and Cheese, serve immediately from the pot.