Proper Lush Mac Cheese the Ultimate Comfort Food

Proper Lush How Do You Make Mac Cheese Like This

By OliviaAugust 18, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a bit of comfort food? Honestly, who doesn't? We are making some serious comfort, best ever homemade mac and cheese ! How do you make mac and cheese that's not just "meh?" Let's dive into a creamy mac and cheese recipe !

This classic macaroni and cheese recipe is a hug in a bowl. Originating from Europe and made famous in America, this recipe is pure, cheesy goodness.

It is a reasonably easy mac and cheese from scratch , taking around 50 minutes, including prep time. It serves 6, so plenty for everyone!

Comfort in a Bowl: Why This Recipe Rocks

Okay, so this isn't exactly health food. However, it's a mood booster, and sometimes, that's what matters. Serve this homemade cheesy mac and cheese at a potluck, a family gathering, or just a easy weeknight mac and cheese when you need a pick-me-up.

What makes this gourmet mac and cheese recipe special? It's all about the béchamel sauce. That sauce is the key to the creamiest, dreamiest mac you've ever tasted.

Plus, the cheddar and Gruyère combo is simply divine, and makes this a mac and cheese recipe cheddar dream.

What You'll Need

First, elbow macaroni is the only choice. Second, get unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, whole milk, sharp cheddar, and Gruyère cheese.

A little salt, pepper, and nutmeg are needed to complete the recipe! Consider panko breadcrumbs for a baked mac and cheese recipe for added crunch.

Now, the gear: Grab your large pot, colander, saucepan, whisk, and grater. Get your 9x13 inch baking dish! Once we get started, you'll wonder how do you make mac and cheese any other way again.

Ingredients & Equipment For Proper Lush Mac & Cheese

Let's get down to the nitty gritty of what you'll need. Honestly, finding great ingredients makes all the difference. This recipe is inspired by the Homemade Cheesy Mac And Cheese recipes I've tried over the years.

I’ve definitely had some disasters along the way, trust me. But now i want to show you how do you make mac and cheese properly.

Main Ingredients

Right, here’s the shopping list for the best ever homemade mac and cheese

Macaroni: 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni. Get a good quality brand. The cheap stuff turns to mush.
Butter: 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter. Proper butter is key for that rich flavour!
Flour: 6 tablespoons (45g) all-purpose flour. Standard stuff.
Milk: 3 cups (710ml) whole milk, warmed. Warmed milk helps avoid lumps. I use full fat; makes it so creamy.
Cheddar: 8 ounces (225g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded. The sharper, the better, I say!
Gruyère: 4 ounces (115g) Gruyère cheese, shredded. This adds a nutty touch.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon .
Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
Nutmeg: A pinch. Don’t skip this!
Panko: 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons melted butter.

I have been working on a Homemade Mac And Cheese Recipe Easy Stovetop . I used to think that cheese from a block tasted better than the pre-shredded stuff, and it does melt smoother.

Seasoning Notes

This is where the magic happens. We are talking Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe .

Essential Spice Combinations: Salt, pepper, and that tiny pinch of nutmeg. Don't underestimate the nutmeg!
Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: A dash of mustard powder can add a subtle tang. Also, consider some garlic powder!
Quick Substitution Options: If you don’t have Gruyère, Swiss cheese works, or even mozzarella in a pinch.

I’m aiming for a Classic Macaroni and Cheese Recipe with a twist. A little bit of spice can transform a Gourmet Mac and Cheese Recipe .

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, yeah? Here’s the bare minimum.

Large pot for pasta.
Colander to drain the pasta.
Large saucepan for the sauce.
Whisk. Essential for a smooth sauce.
Grater. Unless you buy pre-shredded cheese.
A 9x13 inch baking dish (or similar).

A decent Easy Mac and Cheese from Scratch doesn't need fancy gear. A rubber spatula can help scrape every last bit of cheesy goodness out of the pan! No need for anything too posh for this Easy Weeknight Mac and Cheese .

You can always bake the macaroni and cheese to get a nice Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe .

Cooking Method: Proper Lush Mac & Cheese

Alright, let's talk proper comfort food. Nothing beats a creamy mac and cheese recipe , especially when you how do you make mac from scratch that's next level .

This Homemade Mac And Cheese Recipe Easy Stovetop is all about rich flavours and zero stress.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First, mise en place . It's french, innit? But basically, get all your bits ready. Grate 225 grams of sharp cheddar.

Grate 115 grams of Gruyère cheese. Warm 710 ml of whole milk. Honestly, pre-grated cheese doesn't melt as well. Trust me on this one.

Organize yourself. Weigh the ingredients before starting. That's what I always do. It saves time. Don't burn yourself. That melted butter gets hot .

step-by-step: Bosh it All Together

Cook 450 grams of elbow macaroni. Do it until it's al dente. That's still got a bite.
Melt 85 grams of butter. Use a large saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in 45 grams of flour. Cook for 1- 2 minutes. You'll get a roux.
Gradually whisk in the warmed milk. Make it smooth.
Simmer and stir. Cook until thick. About 5- 7 minutes will do. Then, add salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar and Gruyère. Melt that cheese, mate!
Add the macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir it well.
(Optional) Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle on top if you're baking. Bake at 190° C for 15- 20 minutes until golden.

Pro Tips: Ace Your Mac

Want that extra oomph? Shred your own cheese. It melts better, you know? Avoid overcooking the macaroni. Soggy pasta? No thanks.

A top tip I learned is to not be afraid to add some salt! Salt brings out the flavor of the cheese.

You can make the cheese sauce ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge.

This Best Ever Homemade Mac And Cheese is about embracing the deliciousness of simplicity, with a few clever twists. Now you know Easy Mac and Cheese from Scratch ! Grab your fork and enjoy! This could be also called Homemade Cheesy Mac And Cheese .

If you prefer you can make this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe , or you can just enjoy a Easy Weeknight Mac and Cheese .

What are you waiting for? Try Classic Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Recipe Notes

Alright, love. Let's talk about the secrets to nailing this homemade mac and cheese recipe easy stovetop . Honestly, a good Mac and Cheese is all about the details, innit?

Serving Like a Pro

Plating and Presentation Ideas: Don't just chuck it in a bowl. A bit of parsley can really lift things. Imagine you are presenting it to the queen.

Serving it straight from the pot is a proper mood though, right?

Complementary Sides or Beverages: A crisp green salad cuts through the richness. Pair it with a nice cold pint or a glass of white wine. Chardonnay, perhaps? Proper fancy, innit?

Storage: Keep it Fresh

Refrigeration Guidelines: This classic macaroni and cheese recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. You know, in an airtight container.

Freezing Options: Freezing this creamy mac and cheese recipe isn't ideal. The sauce can sometimes separate when defrosted. Still, if you must, portion it out first.

Reheating Instructions: Microwave is fine for a quick fix. Though, the oven is best. Add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce when reheating.

I normally go for 350° F until heated through.

Mix it Up: Get Creative

Dietary Adaptations: Fancy a lighter version? Use whole wheat pasta. This works well as a gluten-free dish, if you are careful with your pasta.

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the autumn, add some roasted butternut squash. Spring? Asparagus. Makes it taste like a gourmet mac and cheese recipe .

Nutrition: The Good Stuff

Simplified Nutrition Information: Roughly, each serving has about 650 calories. We all need energy! Each portion is about 30g of protein, 40g of fat and 45g of carbohydrates. You know, roughly!

Key Health Benefits: It's comfort food, innit? Good for the soul. Plus, all that cheese gives you calcium. Everything in moderation though, yeah?

So, how do you make mac better? Just experiment a little! This best ever homemade mac and cheese recipe can be your foundation.

Once you know this easy mac and cheese from scratch , you can change it up as you like! Now, go on.

Get cooking. You've got this! Homemade cheesy mac and cheese is calling your name. Plus, it will come out as an easy weeknight mac and cheese and also as a baked mac and cheese recipe !

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My cheese sauce is lumpy! What went wrong?

Lumpy cheese sauce is usually down to the béchamel. Make sure your milk is warmed before adding it to the roux (butter and flour mixture) and whisk constantly! Adding cold milk can cause the butter to seize up. If it does happen, don't panic!

You can try whisking vigorously or even using an immersion blender to smooth things out. Failing that, strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve, like you're a contestant on "The Great British Baking Show" trying to save your custard!

How do you make mac ahead of time? Can I prep this in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the mac and cheese in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.

You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold. This is perfect for prepping before having your mates over for a proper Sunday roast, isn't it?

What kind of cheese works best? Can I mix it up a bit?

While sharp cheddar and Gruyère are a classic combo for their flavor and meltability, don't be afraid to experiment! Fontina, Gouda, or even a bit of smoked cheddar can add a lovely depth of flavor. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well.

Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose which stops it from melting as nicely, so try and grate your own for the best, smoothest result!

I want a bit of a kick! How do you make mac and cheese spicy?

Adding a bit of heat to your mac and cheese is a cracking idea! A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favourite hot sauce stirred into the cheese sauce will do the trick. You could also add some finely chopped jalapeños for a bit of texture and a fresh kick.

If you're feeling adventurous, try using a spicy cheddar cheese. It's all about finding the right balance, like Goldilocks finding the perfect porridge!

How do you make mac and cheese healthier? Are there any sneaky swaps I can make?

While mac and cheese is undeniably a treat, there are ways to lighten it up! Using whole wheat pasta adds more fibre. You can also sneak in some pureed butternut squash or cauliflower into the cheese sauce for extra nutrients without drastically changing the flavour.

Consider using a strong flavoured cheese, so you can use less without sacrificing the cheesy punch. It's all about clever cooking, innit?

How long does mac and cheese last?

Mac and cheese typically lasts for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its quality. The taste may change a bit after a couple of days, but it should still be perfectly safe to eat. Always use your best judgement and discard if it looks or smells off.