Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Name: Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 cups whole milk; 1/2 medium onion, minced; 1 bay leaf; 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika; ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper; Freshly ground white pepper to taste; 1 1/4 cups Colby cheese, grated; 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese, grated; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1/2 pound elbow macaroni, cooked until soft and drained; 1 tablespoon salted butter; 1/2 cup toasted bread crumbs

Servings: persons

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 medium onion, minced
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Freshly ground white pepper to taste
1 1/4 cups Colby cheese, grated
1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 pound elbow macaroni, cooked until soft and drained
1 tablespoon salted butter
1/2 cup toasted bread crumbs

1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2
Grease a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish.
3
To make the macaroni, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat.
4
Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes.
5
Gradually whisk in the milk.
6
Stir in the minced onion, bay leaf, paprika, and the cayenne and white peppers.
7
Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture is thick and smooth.
8
Take out the bay leaf.
9
Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in 2/3 of both cheeses.
10
Taste and season with salt and black pepper if necessary.
11
Stir the cooked macaroni into the milk mixture and pour into the casserole.
12
Top with the remaining cheese.
13
To make the topping, melt the salted butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
14
Add the bread crumbs and toss to coat.
15
Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni.
16
Bake until the topping is lightly browned and the whole thing is bubbling, about 30 minutes.
17
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

456

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

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 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 cups whole milk, 1/2 medium onion, minced, and more.

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

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Macaroni and Cheese

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions