Name: Classic Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces elbow macaroni (cooked); 10 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese (grated); 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 dash cayenne pepper (optional)

My classic, baked macaroni and cheese. This is warm, gooey, pure delicious comfort food for days that call for a good, warm hug from the oven.

5 from 6 votes

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

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Classic Macaroni and Cheese - a basic that all cooks need in their recipe box! https://www.lanascooking.com/classic-macaroni-and-cheese

My classic, baked macaroni and cheese. This is warm, gooey, pure delicious comfort food for days that call for a good, warm hug from the oven.

There are just certain recipes that everyone needs to have in their recipe box, aren’t there? You know those recipes that are so basic that you can make them into hundreds of different things?

Like a basic tomato sauce, or a basic recipe for mashed potatoes, or even a basic vinaigrette. You can take those basics and create dozens of different recipes from each of them.

I think one of the most classic, home-style recipes that any cook should have is a good Classic Macaroni and Cheese. It’s always a hit with both children and adults, pairs well with most proteins and can you ever dress it up!

You can use this basic recipe and add in whatever you like. Cooked, diced ham is great. A cupful of frozen peas. Some fresh, blanched spinach. Or how about throwing in some sun-dried tomatoes and smoky bacon. Hmmm.

Or change to a different cut of pasta, maybe some penne, and add in some shrimp or lobster. You can vary the cheese as well. Maybe your family prefers American. Go for that instead! Or maybe you’d like to try a combination of parmesan, asiago, and goat cheese.

I have an idea for making a bleu cheese and bacon mac and cheese that I can hardly wait to try. Now, that’s how you take a classic recipe and turn it on its ear.

Whatever you choose to do to take your mac and cheese over the top, here’s a good basic recipe to start with.

How to Make Classic Macaroni and Cheese

Begin by cooking 8 ounces of elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Drain it and set it aside for now.

Grate 10 ounces of extra sharp cheddar cheese. Set that aside, too.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Photo collage showing how to cook the flour and butter.

In a large skillet, over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking until smooth. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, for one minute.

Meanwhile, microwave the milk on high for 1 ½ minutes. Gradually whisk the warm milk into the butter and flour mixture. Cook the sauce while whisking for five minutes or until it becomes slightly thickened.

Adding seasonings, cheese, and macaroni into the cooked sauce.

Stir in the salt, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and 1 cup of the grated cheese. Mix well and then add the well-drained macaroni. Stir to combine.

Macaroni and cheese mixture in a baking dish.

Spoon the mixture into a lightly greased two-quart baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.

Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

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Baked macaroni and cheese in a baking dish.

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