Macaroni and cheese is always a hit! This mac and cheese recipe is quick and easy. It’s rich, creamy, satisfying, and delicious! The easy sauce is made in only one step. The flour, milk, and butter are combined and cooked, so there’s no need to make a more complicated roux.
The creamy cheese sauce makes this macaroni and cheese rich and satisfying enough to be a main dish, and as a side dish it pairs beautifully with just about any main protein. Serve it with hot dogs, a baked ham or roast dinner, steaks, pork chops, fried fish or chicken, or serve it as a main dish with a salad, sandwich, or cup of soup.
How to Store
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat and enjoy within 3 to 4 days.
- To reheat, add a splash of milk and heat on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in the oven.
Macaroni and Cheese Bristol
No fuss, just creamy and cheesy goodness!
- Prep Time: 12
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces macaroni (2 cups)
- 3 teaspoons salt for cooking water
For the Sauce
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt, plus more to taste
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 4 tablespoons butter (could use bacon drippings or margarine)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard (generous)
- 2 cups grated cheese
For the Breadcrumb Topping
- 1 cup soft fresh breadcrumbs or panko crumbs*
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
- Preheat the oven to 400 F (200 C) and lightly butter a 2-quart casserole. Set aside.
Prepare the Pasta
- Cook the macaroni in boiling water with 2 to 3 teaspoons of salt following the package directions for al dente. Drain well.
Prepare the Sauce and Combine Ingredients
- In the top of a double boiler** or heatproof bowl, combine the milk, salt, flour, and melted butter. Whisk until well blended. Place the pan or bowl over a pan of simmering water and cook, whisking frequently, until thickened. Add the pepper, dry mustard, and cheese; mix well and heat until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and add salt as needed.
- Combine the hot drained macaroni with the sauce and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Toss the breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle over the macaroni.
Bake and Serve
- Bake the casserole for 15 to 20 minutes or until hot and bubbling and the breadcrumbs are browned.
- Serve and enjoy!
