- American
- Dinner
- Main
- Comfort Food
- Kid-Friendly
- Vegetarian
- Baked
Mom's Mac & Cheese
This mac & cheese recipe takes me back to countless childhood evenings and family meals. Originally from a mail-in magazine offer decades ago, this dish has stood the test of time as a family favorite. The sauce is reminiscent of a silky, decadent béchamel, elevated by sharp cheddar for a tangy, rich flavor that coats every bite. Perfectly cooked pasta is lovingly mixed in, creating a dish that's creamy, cheesy, and utterly soul-warming. Whether it's for a kid-friendly get-together, a quick weeknight meal, or a special occasion, this timeless classic never fails to bring joy to the table.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
Instructions
Preheat the oven and cook the pasta
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain.
Make the cheese sauce
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in the flour, salt, and pepper until smooth. Gradually stir in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly, then reduce the heat as soon as it starts bubbling. Simmer for 1 minute, stirring constantly, then remove from the heat.
Combine the cheese and macaroni
Stir in 1 ½ cups of the cheddar cheese until melted, then add the cooked elbow macaroni.
Assemble and bake
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown.
Recipe by
Russell Toris
@russell-toris