The Best Mac & Cheese, Ever. Recipe

Name: The Best Mac & Cheese, Ever.
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 8 tablespoons butter, unsalted; 6 tablespoons flour; 4 cups milk, whole; 1 pound sharp cheddar, or 1lb mix of cheddar, gouda & parm; 2 cups cottage cheese, 4%; 2 teaspoons salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 1/2 tablespoons mustard powder; 1/2 cup parmigiano, grated

Servings: persons

1
["preheat oven to 375, grease a 9 X 11"" glass pan with butter or grape seed oil spray.", "start by grating all your cheese. you may use sharp cheddar solely but gouda, sharp cheddar & parm make a fine mix. keep the 1/2C parmigiano separated for topping.", "follow the directions on the package for 1lb macaroni. salting the water, heavily. drain but don't rinse pasta.", "in a dutch oven melt your butter, when bubbles subside add the flour & stir to form a paste, let cook 2-3 minutes until it darkens slightly.", "in 1C increments add your milk, stirring to incorporate with each addition.", "turn the heat off & add salt, pepper, paprika & mustard.", "while whipping the bechamel sauce with your right hand, dump in the grated cheddar cheese with your left. whip the sauce to melt the cheese. if it doesn't all melt, turn the pan back on medium low and whisk vigorously to melt, making sure not to burn the bottom.", "add the cottage cheese. stir to incorporate. stir in pasta, taste for paprika, mustard, salt & pepper.", "pour macaroni into prepared pan. top with remaining parmigiano. bake for 20 minutes or until it bubbles.", "once ready, let cool for 5 minutes, until bubbles subside. serve warm with your favorite greens & a crisp beer. enjoy."]

1121

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

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 pound elbow macaroni, 8 tablespoons butter, unsalted, 6 tablespoons flour, 4 cups milk, whole, and more.

Yes, The Best Mac & Cheese, Ever. 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!

The Best Mac & Cheese, Ever.

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions