Comfort Food Mac And Cheese

Name: Comfort Food Mac And Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Highlighted under: Home-Style Comfort Dishes

I absolutely love making Comfort Food Mac And Cheese whenever I need a pick-me-up. The creamy, cheesy goodness just warms my soul and transports me back to childhood. I often find myself experimenting with different cheeses and add-ins, but there's something special about the classic combination of sharp cheddar and creamy béchamel. With each spoonful, I feel a wave of nostalgia, reminding me of cozy family dinners on chilly nights. This dish is my ultimate comfort food, and I know it will become yours too!

Created by

Evelyn Parker

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:31:13.007Z

Creating this Comfort Food Mac And Cheese brought me pure joy in the kitchen. I meticulously selected high-quality cheeses, embracing sharp cheddar for its bold flavor and Gruyère for that decadent melt. The béchamel sauce acts as the perfect canvas, bringing everything together into a rich, velvety dish. Watching it bubble away in the oven fills me with excitement!

What I love most is how versatile this recipe can be. Occasionally, I toss in some crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms for added depth. Leftovers heat up beautifully, and I make it a point to always have some in my fridge for those unexpected cravings!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy, cheesy texture that comforts the soul
Customizable with different cheeses and add-ins
Quick and easy to prepare for any occasion

The Role of Cheese in Mac and Cheese

The cheese choices in this Comfort Food Mac And Cheese are crucial for achieving that rich, savory flavor. Sharp cheddar provides a distinct, tangy punch that contrasts beautifully with the nutty sweetness of Gruyère. I love to combine these two because they melt beautifully, creating a wonderfully creamy texture. If you're looking to mix it up, consider adding a sprinkle of smoked gouda for an extra layer of flavor or some Parmesan for a bit of robust saltiness.

When selecting your cheese, it's also important to focus on quality. Freshly grated cheese will melt more smoothly than pre-packaged shredded cheese, which can contain anti-caking agents. For the best results, buy blocks of cheese and grate them yourself just before cooking. This step makes a noticeable difference in both texture and flavor, resulting in a luscious sauce that clings to each piece of pasta.

Perfecting the Cheese Sauce

Creating a smooth and creamy cheese sauce is a key part of this recipe. Start by ensuring that your roux—a mixture of flour and butter—cooks just until it's golden and bubbly, which typically takes about a minute. This step helps develop a deeper flavor and ensures that your sauce won't taste chalky. Gradually whisk in the milk over medium heat to avoid clumps, and don't be afraid to stir vigorously; this will create a velvety consistency without lumps.

Once you add the cheeses, keep the heat low to prevent the sauce from breaking. If it gets too hot, the fats in the cheese can separate, leading to a greasy texture. If you find your sauce is too thick, simply whisk in a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. This cheese sauce should be smooth and glossy before you combine it with the pasta.

Baking and Serving Tips

Baking the mac and cheese adds an irresistible touch. I recommend using a shallow baking dish—this allows for more surface area which helps achieve those delightful golden, crispy edges. If you choose to add breadcrumbs on top, consider mixing them with a bit of melted butter and some Italian herbs for added flavor. Bake until you see golden edges and the sauce is bubbling; this usually takes about 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

For serving, this mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or some steamed broccoli to cut through the richness. If you have leftovers, they can be refrigerated for up to three days or even frozen. To reheat, simply warm in the oven until heated through. If you find the mac and cheese has dried out a bit in the fridge, stir in a dash of milk before reheating to bring back that creamy texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to whip up your delicious mac and cheese:

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Comfort Food Mac And Cheese:

Cook the macaroni

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the cheese sauce

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyère until melted. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine and bake

Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing well to combine. Transfer to a greased baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if using. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Pro Tips

For a gourmet touch, experiment with different cheese blends or stir in sautéed vegetables for added flavor and texture.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

For a convenient meal prep option, you can assemble the mac and cheese and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking. When you're ready to enjoy, simply pop it in the oven as directed. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify, providing even tastier results. Make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil to prevent it from drying out during storage.

If you want to freeze this dish, it can last for up to three months in the freezer. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking, and you might need to add an extra few minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through completely.

Creative Variations

One of the best things about mac and cheese is its versatility. You can easily incorporate a variety of proteins or vegetables to change it up. Adding cooked bacon, chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms can elevate the dish to a new level. For a bit of heat, consider mixing in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce before baking.

Herbs can also bring a fresh twist to your classic recipe. Try mixing in fresh parsley, chives, or thyme into the cheese sauce or as a topping before serving. Alternatively, for a Mediterranean flair, add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for a burst of flavor and color. Each variation not only tantalizes the taste buds but also transforms it into a unique and satisfying meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, gluten-free pasta works perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

→ What other cheeses can I use?

Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses—Monterey Jack, fontina, or even blue cheese can add unique flavors.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding extra time as needed.

→ How can I make it extra creamy?

For an extra creamy mac and cheese, add more cheese or a splash of cream to the cheese sauce for richness.