Best Macaroni and Cheese

A serving of mac and cheese on a dinner plate. There are two forks in the background and a container of pepper next to the plate.

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings:

This truly is the BEST Macaroni and Cheese recipe ever! It's loaded with three different kinds of cheese, is ultra-creamy, and is pretty much everything you could ever want out of homemade mac and cheese.

Ingredients

For the mac and cheese:

1/4 Cup Cornstarch
8 Ounces Monterey Jack Cheese , shredded
16 Ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese , shredded
16 ounces Elbow Macaroni Noodles
2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt
4 Tablespoons Butter , cubed
1 Teaspoon Salt (divided)
1 Teaspoon Pepper (divided)
1/4 Cup Yellow Onion (minced)
1 Teaspoon Ground Mustard
3 Cups Whole Milk
2 Cups Heavy Cream
1 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 Teaspoon Hot Sauce *optional but you don't taste it

For the topping:

4 Slices Bread , torn into pieces
1/2 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
2 Tablespoons Butter , cubed

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a large bowl, toss together the cornstarch and cheeses. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
In a large pot of boiling water, add 2 tablespoons kosher salt and the pasta. Cook until just past al dente. Drain and set aside.
Pulse the bread, 2 tablespoons of butter, parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in a processor until coarsely ground.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, add the remaining 4 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes or until tender. Add the mustard and stir to combine. Add the milk and cream and bring to a simmer.
Bring the cream up to a gentle boil and add in the cornstarch and cheese mixture, whisking until smooth. Add worcestershire and hot sauce (optional) and season with the salt and pepper to taste.
Add the pasta and fold everything together.
Pour into a buttered 9x13-inch casserole dish and sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake 10 minutes.

Notes

Macaroni and cheese can be frozen for up to 18 months.

Nutrition Facts

Best Macaroni and Cheese

Amount Per Serving (1 cup)

Calories 502 Calories from Fat 378

% Daily Value*

Fat 42g65%

Saturated Fat 26g163%

Cholesterol 135mg45%

Sodium 742mg32%

Potassium 192mg5%

Carbohydrates 12g4%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 19g38%

Vitamin A 1413IU28%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 572mg57%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.