Madeline’s Mac & Cheese

Prep:30min

Madeline’s Mac & Cheese something extra special — golden, and full of comfort but still flexible depending on your pantry. Creamy stovetop mac layered with real cheese flavour, a buttery finish, and a hint of magic (optional, but encouraged).

Updated at: Mon, 23 Jun 2025 05:11:20 GMT

Nutrition balance score

Unbalanced

Glycemic Index

Low

Glycemic Load

High

Nutrition per serving

Calories597.1 kcal (30%)

Total Fat32.7 g (47%)

Carbs48.3 g (19%)

Sugars7.9 g (9%)

Protein27.6 g (55%)

Sodium718.6 mg (36%)

Fiber2.3 g (8%)

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Ingredients

4 servings

2 cupsmacaroni

or any short pasta, elbows, shells, spirals

Sauce Base

2 Tbspbutter

2 Tbspflour

plain or gluten-free if needed

2 cupsmilk

dairy or unsweetened alt milk

Salt

cracked black pepper

¼ tspmustard powder

Optional, or 1 tsp Dijon

Cheese

1 ½ cupsColby cheese

grated

mozzarella

Optional blend, for melt, or cheese

parmesan

for sharpness tasty, for extra bite

cream

Optional, or 1-2 tbsp Greek yoghurt for extra silkiness

Extra Optional toppings

cheese

Extra grated

Breadcrumbs

or crushed crackers tossed in olive oil or melted butter

Instructions

Step 1

1. Cook pasta. Boil in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

2. Make cheese sauce In a medium pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 mins to form a smooth roux (no browning). Slowly add milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir until thickened (5–7 mins). Turn heat to low. Stir in mustard (if using), salt, pepper, and cheese until melted and glossy. Optional: stir in a spoon of yoghurt or cream now.

Step 3

3. Combine Add drained pasta to the sauce and stir gently to coat.

Step 4

4. (Optional) Bake it Pour into a greased baking dish. Top with cheese, breadcrumbs/seeds/spices. Bake at 200°C for 10–15 mins until golden and bubbling.