Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food: creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying. This recipe is perfect for two people, making it ideal for a cozy dinner at home without leftovers piling up. With a rich cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a golden, crispy top, this dish is pure indulgence.
Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or just treating yourself, this Mac and Cheese recipe is simple to follow and guaranteed to impress.
Why This Mac and Cheese Recipe is Special
- Creamy, Luxurious Sauce – A combination of heavy cream, cooking cream, and butter creates the smooth, velvety texture that makes every bite so satisfying.
- Triple Cheese Flavor – Mozzarella, Alsace (or mild cheese), and cheddar give a perfect balance of meltiness, richness, and tang.
- Golden Crunchy Top – Baking it in the oven gives a crispy cheese layer that contrasts perfectly with the creamy pasta.
- Easy to Make – No complicated techniques, just classic comfort food done right.
Serving Suggestion
Mac and Cheese is best served hot, straight from the oven, so you can enjoy the gooey, melty cheese with every bite. On the photo, it’s paired with a simple side of fresh green salad, which adds a light, crisp contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
For an extra indulgent touch, you can also top it with hot honey chicken tenders.
Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a creamier sauce.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly firm pasta will hold up better in the baking dish and prevent mushiness.
- Layer Well: Alternate layers of pasta and cheese for maximum cheesiness in every bite.
- Crispy Topping: Sprinkle extra cheese or breadcrumbs on top for a golden, crunchy finish.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
For the pasta:
- 150 g pasta (macaroni or similar)
For the cheese sauce:
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 50 ml cooking cream (13% fat)
- 60 ml water
- 1 tbsp flour
- 20 g butter
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- 130 g shredded mozzarella
- 130 g shredded Alsace cheese (or another mild cheese)
- 130 g shredded cheddar
Note: Only half of the cheese mixture goes into the sauce. The rest is for layering and topping.
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the cheese sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add paprika, pepper, garlic powder, and salt; stir briefly to toast the spices.
- Stir in the flour to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, cooking cream, and water, whisking constantly.
- Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add half of the cheese mixture and stir until melted.
3. Combine with pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
4. Assemble in a baking dish
- Pour half of the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle some of the remaining cheese on top.
- Add the rest of the pasta and top again with cheese.
5. Bake
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.
Mac and Cheese
Zutaten
Kochutensilien
Methode
- Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add half of the cheese mixture and stir until melted.
- Combine with pasta
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
- Assemble in a baking dish
- Pour half of the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle some of the remaining cheese on top.
- Add the rest of the pasta and top again with cheese.
- Bake
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.