Wasfetna

Mac & Cheese

Short pasta in a cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan sauce, baked until golden on top.

Vegetarian

Mac & Cheese
Cooking time
55 min
Hands-on time
35 min
Free time
18 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cuisine
American
Calories
950
Contains
Gluten, Dairy

A smooth cheese sauce is built in stages: flour stirred in butter until its raw smell is gone, then milk added gradually while whisking, then the cheeses once the heat is off, because cheese over a live flame splits and turns grainy.

Before you start

  • Before you beginRead the steps completely, measure the ingredients, and prepare the tools before turning on the heat or oven.
  • Timing the servingPrepare what you can in advance and leave the final touches until serving time to maintain the texture.

Ingredients

4people

Amounts follow the number of people

For the pasta

For the sauce

When doubling the quantity, use a wider container, and gradually increase the salt and seasoning after tasting.

Shopping list

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling — Boiled two minutes short because it finishes in the oven.
  • Hand whisk — Whisking constantly as the milk goes in is what prevents lumps.
  • Baking dish — For browning the cheese on top at 200°.

Method

  1. Boil plenty of water and salt it well until it becomes as salty as seawater.

    8 min
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The water is at a rolling boil and the salt has dissolved.

    Tip: One tablespoon of salt per liter — this is the only time you season the pasta itself.

  2. Melt the butter, add the flour, and stir for two minutes until its raw smell disappears.

    4 min
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The mixture is light golden and smells of nuts.

  3. Pour in the milk gradually while continuously whisking until the mixture thickens.

    10 min
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The sauce coats the spoon without clumps.

  4. Turn off the heat and add the cheeses, mustard, and salt, and stir until melted.

    5 min
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The sauce is smooth and glossy.

    Tip: Cheese over high heat splits and turns grainy.

  5. Boil the pasta for two minutes less and stir it into the sauce.

    8 min
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    Each piece is coated.

  6. Pour it into a tray, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake at 200°.

    18 minYou can walk away
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The top is golden and bubbling at the edges.

On the same table

Dishes that belong beside this one.

More from Pasta