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Next-Level Mac and Cheese

Next level mac and cheese in a serving bowl, ready to enjoy.

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Upgrade your mac and cheese game with this next-level recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, it’s sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 3 cups whole milk, heated
  • 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup grated Gruyère or Comte cheese (or a combination)
  • 1 cup grated mild cheddar cheese (or sharp)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook to al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
    Mac and cheese prep: draining the macaroni.
    Credit: Diana Rattray
  2. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
    Make the roux with butter and flour.
    Credit: Diana Rattray
  3. Add the milk gradually while stirring constantly, and continue cooking until thickened.
    Milk is added to the roux for the macaroni and cheese sauce.
    Credit: Diana Rattray
  4. Remove from the heat and add all of the grated cheese. Stir to blend.
    4 kinds of cheese are added to the sauce for next-level mac and cheese.
    Credit: Diana Rattray
  5. Combine the macaroni with the sauce and stir to blend.
    Next level mac and cheese in a serving bowl, ready to enjoy.
    Credit: Diana Rattray