Classic Mac & Cheese Recipe

Inspired by MacSantaFe Gourmet Mac & Cheese

Time45m

Serves6

Classic recipe of Mac & Cheese made with Cheddar & Jack Cheese

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Pasta & Cheese

8 cups Elbow macaroni

2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded

2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

4 tablespoons Butter

1 cup 00 bread flour

4 cups Milk

1 teaspoon Celtic sea salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon Watkins paprika

1 cup bread crumbs

2 tablespoons olive oil

Method

Preparation

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Cheese

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.

Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Add Topping and Bake

Sprinkle bread crumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your classic mac & cheese!