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Macaroni and Cheese

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Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

My homemade Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, guaranteed to hit the spot. With tender macaroni smothered in a creamy cheese sauce, this is a classic dish that everyone loves, and once you’ve seen how easy it is to make from scratch, you’ll never make the packet version again! Whether you’re whipping it up for a laid-back weeknight meal or a special occasion, this quick and easy recipe will become a family favourite that you’ll keep coming back to. Top with breadcrumbs and run under the oven grill (broiler) for a few minutes for a crunchy finish.

Can you make Macaroni and Cheese ahead of time?

Yes, follow the Macaroni and Cheese recipe instructions up until step 7. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight. To reheat, cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes in a 200°C (400°F) (180°C/350°F fan-forced) oven. Remove the foil and place under the oven grill (broiler) for 2–3 minutes to crisp up the breadcrumbs.

Is Macaroni and Cheese suitable for leftovers?

Macaroni and Cheese leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 200°C (400°F) (180°C/350°F fan-forced) oven for 10–15 minutes or until heated through. Not suitable for freezing.

Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Macaroni and Cheese

Author: Nicole
5 from 1 vote
“A very simple yet delicious side dish, we all went in for seconds.”
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Everyone’s favourite, Macaroni and Cheese is so simple to make. You can have it on the dinner table in less than 20 minutes! Serve it on its own as a light meal, or as a side for barbecues.
Prep 5 minutes
Cook 15 minutes
Total 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 500 g (1 lb) macaroni (elbow pasta)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 30 g (¼ cup) plain (all-purpose) flour
  • 750 ml (3 cups) full-cream (whole) milk
  • 1 tsp chicken stock powder (bouillon)
  • 375 g (3 cups) freshly grated cheddar or similar cheese
  • 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions, less 1 minute. Drain and run under cold water to cool immediately.
  • Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large, deep frying pan over low heat.
  • Once the butter has melted, add the flour and stir for 30 seconds until a paste forms.
  • Pour in about one-quarter of the milk, whisking for 30 seconds until the mixture combines.
  • Add the remaining milk and whisk over low heat for 5 minutes, until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  • Stir in the stock powder and cheese. Turn off the heat and stir the pasta through. Serve as is or continue with the following steps for extra crunch.
  • Preheat the oven grill (broiler). Transfer to a baking dish if needed and sprinkle with the panko breadcrumbs. Spray with olive oil.
  • Grill (broil) for 2–3 minutes until golden (keep an eye on it because it will change to a golden colour quickly!)

Nutrition information

Nutrition Facts
Macaroni and Cheese
Amount per Serving
Calories
699
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
37
g
57
%
Saturated Fat
 
18
g
113
%
Trans Fat
 
0.2
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
7
g
Cholesterol
 
92
mg
31
%
Sodium
 
661
mg
29
%
Potassium
 
258
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
 
62
g
21
%
Fiber
 
12
g
50
%
Sugar
 
14
g
16
%
Protein
 
41
g
82
%
Vitamin A
 
993
IU
20
%
Vitamin C
 
0.003
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
670
mg
67
%
Iron
 
8
mg
44
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes

Recipe notes

MAKE AHEAD

Follow the recipe instructions up until step 7. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight. To reheat, cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes in a 200°C (400°F) (180°C/350°F fan-forced) oven. Remove the foil and place under the oven grill (broiler) for 2–3 minutes to crisp up the breadcrumbs.

LEFTOVERS

Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 200°C (400°F) (180°C/350°F fan-forced) oven for 10–15 minutes or until heated through. Not suitable for freezing.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Course entrée, lunch, Macaroni, Main Course, pasta, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Italian

  1. 5 stars
    Another dish demolished by my family.

  2. A very simple yet delicious side dish we all went in for seconds and those crunchy panko bits on the top, yummy 😋

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Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes 

For recipes labelled ‘gluten-free’ or ‘dairy-free’, the ingredients included in the recipe are typically gluten- or dairy-free. However, it is the user’s responsibility to carefully check the ingredient panels on the specific brands of products purchased and used. Simple Home Edit cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions.