Martha's Mac and Cheese Recipe

Name: Martha's Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, plus more for baking dish; 3 cups milk; 4 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon coarse salt, plus more for water; ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste); 3 cups grated white cheddar cheese; 1 cup grated swiss cheese; 1 lb elbow macaroni; sour cream, for serving (optional)

Servings: persons

1
Preheat oven to 375.
2
Butter a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish; set aside.
3
Warm the milk and tomato paste in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
4
Whisk in the salt, pepper, cayenne, cheddar, and 1/2 cup swiss cheese; set the cheese sauce aside.
5
Cover a large pot of salted water, and bring to a boil.
6
Cook until pasta is al dente, about 7 minutes.
7
Drain well.
8
Stir macaroni into reserved cheese sauce.
9
Pour mixture into prepared dish.
10
Top with remaining swiss cheese, and dot with butter.
11
Bake until golden brown and bubbling, about 45 minutes.
12
Serve hot with sour cream, if desired.

607

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.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

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

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

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

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, plus more for baking dish, 3 cups milk, 4 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon coarse salt, plus more for water, and more.

Yes, Martha's 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!

Martha's Mac and Cheese

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions