Mac N Cheese Recipe

Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium pot. Add 1 tsp kosher salt, then add 1½ cups elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until just al dente (about 7–8 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta and set aside.

Make a roux

In the same pot over medium heat, melt 2 tbs unsalted butter. Add 2 tbs all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and pale (do not let it brown).

Add milk and cream

Slowly pour in 1½ cups whole milk and ¼ cup heavy cream while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and starts to simmer, about 3–5 minutes.

Season the sauce

Reduce heat to low and whisk in ½ tsp Dijon mustard, ¼ tsp Worcestershire sauce, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp ground white pepper, and ½ tsp kosher salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

With the sauce off the heat (or very low), gradually stir in 2 cups shredded white cheddar, one handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt into a smooth emulsion. Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan. If the sauce becomes too thick, add up to ¼–½ cup reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach a creamy, pourable consistency.

Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and gently fold until the pasta is evenly coated. Keep warm over the lowest heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring, but avoid boiling.

Preheat the broiler (optional) if you want a toasted top. Toss ¾ cup crispy fried onions with 1 tbs melted butter to help them brown and adhere. Transfer mac and cheese to an oven-safe serving dish if broiling, or keep it in the pot for stovetop serving.

Sprinkle the buttered crispy onions evenly over the mac and cheese. If broiling, place under the broiler 4–6 inches from the heat for 1–2 minutes until onions are golden—watch closely to avoid burning. Alternatively, leave onions un-broiled for maximum crunch.

Finish with 2 tbs thinly sliced fresh chives and a light dusting (about ¼ tsp) of smoked paprika for color and subtle smokiness. Serve immediately.