The Best Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

The Best Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

The Best Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Many of us had our first experience with Homemade Mac and Cheese from a box, complete with powdered cheese and a quick dinner fix. But did you know that Baked Mac and Cheese has deep roots in American history?

Thomas Jefferson, known for his love of French culture, helped popularize Baked Macaroni and Cheese in the early years of the United States. The dish is unmistakably French, with a base of béchamel sauce, traditionally baked in an au gratin dish. Today, Easy Mac and Cheese is enjoyed worldwide in countless variations, from classic comfort food to gourmet creations.

The Ultimate Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb bite-sized pasta (elbows, shells, penne, etc.)
  • 4 tbsp oil
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ small onion, finely diced
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp Lucky Cajun Black Label
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk (warm)
  • 18 oz shredded cheese (Gruyère, sharp cheddar, or a mix)
  • ½ cup buttered breadcrumbs (for topping, if baking)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. If you’re baking your Baked Mac and Cheese, undercook it slightly, as it will absorb the sauce and soften in the oven.

2. Make the Sauce

  • Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft (not caramelized).
  • Stir in the flour to form a roux, cooking for about a minute.
  • Slowly whisk in the warmed milk, adding half at a time until fully incorporated and thickened.
  • Add the bay leaf, nutmeg, and Lucky Cajun Black Label seasoning. Simmer for a few minutes.

3. Add the Cheese

  • If baking, reserve half the cheese for the topping.
  • Stir in the shredded cheese one handful at a time, continuously stirring to prevent clumping.
  • If you like extra saucy Baked Macaroni and Cheese, add an additional ½ cup of milk.

4. Assemble and Bake

  • Remove the bay leaf and stir the cooked pasta into the sauce.
  • If serving immediately, it’s ready to eat!
  • For Baked Mac and Cheese, transfer to a greased baking dish, top with the reserved cheese and buttered breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
  • If needed, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a golden, crispy topping.

Make It Your Own – Mac and Cheese as a Flavor Vessel

The beauty of Homemade Mac and Cheese is that you can customize it endlessly. Try adding:

  • Sautéed mushrooms
  • Peas or asparagus
  • Extra cheese (because why not?)
  • Blackened chicken
  • Crawfish
  • Sausage
  • Ground beef

However you make it, this Easy Mac and Cheese recipe is guaranteed to be rich, creamy, and full of bold flavor!

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