There’s something deeply comforting about a well-made mac and cheese that takes us back to childhood. This classic Creamette mac and cheese recipe delivers that perfect balance of creamy sauce and tender pasta that defines this beloved American dish. Using Creamette elbows, a pasta that has graced American pantries for generations, ensures the sauce clings beautifully to each piece, creating that traditional texture we all remember.
Creamette Mac and Cheese Recipe
4
servings10
minutes30
minutes452
kcal40
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
226 g 8 oz Creamette Elbow Macaroni
3 tablespoons 3 tbsp butter
3 tablespoons 3 tbsp flour
473 ml 2 cup whole milk
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 tsp salt
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 tsp dry mustard powder (optional but traditional)
226 g 2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
113 g 1 cup mild cheddar or American cheese, grated
25 g 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)
Equipment
casserole dish- large pot
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Grater
- Colander
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the Creamette Elbow Macaroni for 7 minutes (slightly undercooking it). Drain but do not rinse.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely.
- Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a roux, which will thicken your sauce.
- Gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Continue cooking the sauce for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in salt, pepper, and dry mustard if using.
- Add the sharp cheddar and mild cheddar (or American) cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the sauce set slightly.
Notes
- For the most authentic flavor, grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
