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Close-up shot of a creamy, golden baked macaroni and cheese in a rustic cast iron skillet with bubbling sharp cheddar sauce and fresh parsley garnish
Close-up shot of a creamy, golden baked macaroni and cheese in a rustic cast iron skillet with bubbling sharp cheddar sauce and fresh parsley garnish
American Comfort Food

Classic American Mac & Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, Classic American Mac & Cheese is a beloved comfort food in the USA. It’s simple to make with everyday ingredients and is perfect for a cozy family dinner, lunch, or a delicious side dish.

At A Glance

Recipe Essentials

15 mins

prep time

15 mins

cook time

4 servings

recipe yield

Easy

skill level

What You Need

Ingredients

Base & Dairy

Cheese & Seasoning

• 2 cups macaroni • 2 tbsp butter • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour • 1½ cups milk

• 1½ cups grated cheddar cheese • ½ tsp salt • ¼ tsp black pepper • A little paprika (optional)

Step-by-Step

How to Make It

01
02
03

Boil Macaroni

Make the Roux

Whisk in Milk

Boil the macaroni until tender, then drain and set aside.

Melt the butter in a pan. Add the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps.

04
05
06

Melt Cheddar

Season Sauce

Combine Pasta

Once the sauce thickens slightly, add the cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted.

Add salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.

Chef's Finishing Secret

For an extra cheesy, golden finish, sprinkle some extra cheese on top and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5–10 minutes.