Best of Mac and Cheese Recipe

Name: Best of Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 34 lb pasta, shape of choice (large macaroni, cavatappi, rotini or ziti all work well); 3 -4 slices bread, cut into small cubes and dried; ½ cup butter, divided; 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped (approx. 3-5 cloves); 4 tablespoons flour; 2 cups milk (preferably whole or 2%); 6 ounces cheddar cheese, grated; 4 ounces monterey jack cheese, grated; 2 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated; 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated; 1 -2 tablespoon lemon juice; ½ teaspoon dried chives; ½ teaspoon parsley; salt; pepper; 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Servings: persons

34 lb pasta, shape of choice (large macaroni, cavatappi, rotini or ziti all work well)
3 -4 slices bread, cut into small cubes and dried
½ cup butter, divided
1 tablespoon garlic, chopped (approx. 3-5 cloves)
4 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk (preferably whole or 2%)
6 ounces cheddar cheese, grated
4 ounces monterey jack cheese, grated
2 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
1 -2 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon dried chives
½ teaspoon parsley
salt
pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper

1
Cook pasta in boiling water for no more than 6 minutes; drain and set aside.
2
Start the topping by melting 4 tbsp of butter in a large sauce pan over medium heat.
3
Add the dried bread cubes and toss to coat; cook for approximately 5 minutes, allowing bread to absorb butter; stir frequently to avoid burning.
4
Add 1/4 tsp salt, a pinch of freshly ground pepper, chives and parsley; stir and cook another 2 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
5
Pre-heat oven to 375.
6
In a large sauce pan, melt remaining 4 tbsp of butter over medium heat; cook chopped garlic 1-2 minutes, until softened and fragrant, be careful to not overcook.
7
Add flour, whisking well; cook for several minutes until mixture just starts to darken slightly.
8
Add milk slowly, still whisking; continue to cook until until mixture thickens.
9
Add 1/4 tsp of salt, additional pepper and cayenne powder to thickened milk; stir well.
10
Add all shredded cheese and stir until melted; remove from heat.
11
Taste cheese sauce for seasoning, add additional salt and/or pepper if needed.
12
Add lemon juice to cheese sauce and mix well (this helps keep the cheese sauce from being stringy - does not effect the flavor!
13
).
14
Add pasta to cheese sauce and combine gently.
15
Transfer to lightly greased 8x8 casserole dish, or you can cook in sauce pan if oven proof (to save dishes!
16
).
17
Sprinkle bread cube topping over the top of the pasta.
18
Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes, until topping is browned and cheese is bubbling.

15015

kcal

Calories

132

Fat

2878

Carbs

532

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 16 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 34 lb pasta, shape of choice (large macaroni, cavatappi, rotini or ziti all work well), 3 -4 slices bread, cut into small cubes and dried, ½ cup butter, divided, 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped (approx. 3-5 cloves), and more.

Yes, Best of Mac and Cheese falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Best of Mac and Cheese

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions