Our best basic mac and cheese recipe (2024)

What are the best cheeses for mac and cheese?

Cheddar cheese is definitely the go-to ingredient when it comes to mac and cheese but many recipes actually mix up to three different cheeses to give the dish more depth of flavour. You could use a combination of tasty, gruyere, gouda, mozzarella or jarlsberg cheese. In the US Monterey Jack is usually the called-for freshly shredded cheese of choice for baked mac and cheese.

What pasta is best for mac and cheese?

If you can't get your hands on actual elbow macaroni pasta, any kind of short or small pasta shape that has holes and pockets to grip the creamy cheese sauce mixture will do well. Think ziti, shells, bow ties, fusilli or even good old penne.

Can you freeze mac and cheese?

For a dish that's made with lots of dairy products, mac and cheese freezes surprisingly well. Divide into portions and pop into freezer bags or air-tight containers. Label and use within three months.

What can I add to mac and cheese?

While the original mac and cheese is a treat in its own right, sometimes it's nice to add a little something extra to it for more flavour or to make the dish more substantial. We love adding finely chopped, fried and cooked bacon to ours but you could also add peas, onions, garlic, leftover chicken, broccoli or cauliflower. Some like to substitute panko crumbs for the likes of crushed Ritz crackers, or add a layer of pre shredded cheese, like sharp cheddar to the top, instead of a crumb.

How to thicken sauce in mac and cheese?

If your sauce is looking a little runny (which is fine, if that's your preference!) you can add a little extra flour to the mix. The sauce thickens once the flour is stirred through. It's best to do this step before you pour cheese sauce onto the pasta in the prepared baking dish.

View More