Family Favorite Macaroni and Cheese

macaroni and cheese with bread crumb topping
Macaroni and cheese with crunchy buttered bread crumb topping. Diana Rattray
  • 45 mins
  • Prep: 15 mins,
  • Cook: 30 mins
  • Yield: Serves 6
Ratings (20)

By Diana Rattray

Updated 10/14/17

This macaroni and cheese recipe is a combination of elbow macaroni and a flavorful homemade cheese sauce. Some American (Velveeta) cheese in the sauce makes it creamier than all cheddar, or use all cheddar cheese, smoked cheddar, or a cheddar and Gruyere blend. The sauce is made richer with some light cream or half-and-half, and a small amount of mustard adds flavor.

The buttery bread crumb topping browns perfectly for a delicious, crunchy topping. I sometimes add grated Parmesan cheese to the bread crumb mixture.

What You'll Need

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (2 cups uncooked)
  • 6 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (8 ounces)
  • 1 cup shredded American cheese (4 ounces)
  • 1 cup soft breadcrumbs*

How to Make It

  1.  Heat oven to 350 F (180 C/Gas 4).
  2. Grease a 2-quart baking dish or spray with cooking oil spray.
  3. Cook the macaroni following package directions; drain in a colander and rinse with hot water.
  4. In a bowl, combine the cheddar and American cheeses. Set aside.
  5. In a medium saucepan melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until hot and foamy; stir in the flour until bubbly. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Gradually add the milk and cream along with the salt, pepper, and ground mustard. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Add 2 cups of the cheese blend and continue cooking until melted, stirring constantly.
  1. Add the drained macaroni to the sauce and stir to blend. Pour the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese
  2. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle over the cheese layer.
  3. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until bubbly and nicely browned.

*Make breadcrumbs in the food processor using day-old bread or rolls.

Tips and Variations

  • Use a combination of cheddar and Gruyere cheese or all cheddar cheese.
  • Use shredded smoked cheddar cheese in the sauce.
  • Add about 1/2 cup of cooked crumbled bacon to the sauce.
  • Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the bread crumb and butter mixture.

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Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
Calories 717
Total Fat 47 g
Saturated Fat 26 g
Unsaturated Fat 14 g
Cholesterol 128 mg
Sodium 1,102 mg
Carbohydrates 44 g
Dietary Fiber 4 g
Protein 30 g
(The nutrition information on our recipes is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. Individual results may vary.)