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 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Family Favorite Dishes

I absolutely love a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. This recipe is my go-to for those cozy nights when I just want something simple yet indulgent. The blend of cheeses and a sprinkle of spices takes the traditional mac and cheese to new heights. With just a few easy steps, I can whip up a dish that’s rich and satisfying, perfect for sharing with family or enjoying as a solo treat. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never want to go back to the box!

Created by

Brielle Thompson

Last updated on 2026-01-24T12:22:06.798Z

One chilly evening, I decided to experiment with my mac and cheese recipe and created something that exceeded my expectations. I tried different cheese blends, and I was amazed at how much flavor they brought to the dish. Using a combination of sharp cheddar and creamy Gruyère added depth and a velvety texture that is simply irresistible.

What truly makes this mac and cheese stand out is the hint of nutmeg and a touch of garlic powder. These ingredients elevate the flavors beautifully, giving the dish warmth and complexity. The next time I make this, I might even add some crispy breadcrumbs on top for an added crunch!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Decadent, creamy cheese sauce that envelops every bite
Perfectly cooked pasta with a comforting texture
Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins like bacon or vegetables

The Secret to Creamy Cheese Sauce

Creating a luscious cheese sauce is key to a great mac and cheese. Start by ensuring your butter is melted over medium heat and not browned, as burning can impart a bitter flavor to your sauce. Once your flour is whisked in, continue to stir until the mixture is golden, which typically takes about one minute. This step helps develop flavor and ensures your sauce won’t taste raw.

As you whisk in the milk, choose whole milk for a richer texture. Allow it to gently come to a simmer—this is when it thickens up nicely. Keep stirring until it's glossy and coats the back of a spoon. If you prefer a lighter option, opt for 2% milk, but be prepared for a slightly thinner consistency.

Perfect Pasta Every Time

Cooking the elbow macaroni to the perfect al dente texture is crucial for mac and cheese. Be sure to salt your boiling water generously; it should taste like the sea. This step enhances the pasta's flavor. Drain the macaroni when it’s slightly firm to the bite; it will continue to cook when mixed with the hot cheese sauce, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy.

If you’d like to make this dish gluten-free, feel free to substitute regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Just watch the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta can dramatically vary in how quickly it cooks, typically needing about 1-2 minutes less than what's indicated on the package.

Customizing Your Mac and Cheese

One of the best aspects of mac and cheese is its versatility. For a smoky flavor, consider adding crumbled bacon or sautéed onions to your cheese mixture before folding in the pasta. If you're looking to boost nutrition, try incorporating steamed broccoli or spinach—these ingredients add color and healthy fiber without overpowering the dish.

If you're serving a large group, this recipe is easily scalable. Just keep the ratio of pasta to cheese sauce consistent—use 1 cup of cheese for every 1 cup of pasta. This ensures your sauce remains decadent, regardless of how much you're making. For leftovers, you can store any uneaten mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni 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. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until golden. Gradually whisk in the milk, and continue to cook until the mixture thickens.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Remove from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Fold in the cooked macaroni until well combined.

Serve

Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious comfort food mac and cheese!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or vegetables like broccoli to the mix.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store leftover mac and cheese, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container, where it can last for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label with the date for reference.

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat mac and cheese gently to avoid drying it out. I recommend adding a splash of milk before heating it in the microwave or on the stove. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and add a touch more cheese if it seems a bit dry.

Serving Suggestions

For a hearty comfort meal, serve your mac and cheese alongside a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. Alternatively, for a truly indulgent experience, pair it with crispy fried chicken or a side of garlic bread for a cozy feast.

You can also elevate your mac and cheese by finishing it under the broiler. Place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with additional cheese and breadcrumbs, then broil until golden and bubbly. This adds a lovely crispy top that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce underneath.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, gluten-free elbow macaroni can be used as a substitute for traditional pasta.

→ How can I make this recipe lighter?

You can use low-fat milk and reduce the cheese to make a lighter version of this dish.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and reheat in the oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

→ What other cheeses work well?

Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or parmesan for different flavors!