Make it Your Way Ultimate Mac & Cheese (beta)

Design your perfect comfort bowl from the noodle up. This recipe provides a modular framework: simply select one technique from each step to create your ideal version, whether you crave a classic baked casserole, an instant stovetop fix,or a unique flavor spin.

Pasta Foundation

Yields 4–6 servings. Whichever method you choose, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water right before draining; it’s the secret to achieving a silky, unified sauce.

Option: The Essential Elbow {id:pasta.elbow}

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente (firm to the bite), usually 2 minutes less than the lowest package direction. Drain and set aside...

• 16 oz dry elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp kosher salt

Option: Gourmet Shapes {id:pasta.gourmet, cooktime:+2}

Cook in heavily salted boiling water until al dente...

• 16 oz dry cavatappi, large shells, or orecchiette pasta
• 2 tbsp kosher salt

Option: The Scratch Noodle {id:pasta.fresh, preptime:+45, cooktime:-5, cost:+1, skill:hard}

Knead flour and eggs into a smooth dough. Rest 30 minutes, roll into sheets, and cut into 1/2-inch squares (flayels) or small shapes. Boil in salted water for 3-5 minutes until tender but firm...

• 400g "00" flour
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tbsp kosher salt

Aromatic Start

Heat the fat in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté aromatics until soft and fragrant...

Option: Pure Cheese (Pureist) {id:aromatics.none}

(Proceed directly to the Cream Base & Thickening step)

Option: Classic Onion & Garlic {id:aromatics.onion-garlic, preptime:+5, cooktime:+6}

Sauté onion 5 minutes until soft, add garlic, and cook 1 minute more before proceeding...

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Option: Smoky Bacon {id:aromatics.bacon, preptime:+5, cooktime:+10, cost:+1}

Cook bacon until crispy. Transfer bacon to a paper towel, leaving the rendered fat in the pan as the base for the next step...

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced

Option: Earthy Mushrooms {id:aromatics.mushrooms, preptime:+5, cooktime:+15, cost:+1}

Sauté mushrooms 8 minutes until all liquid evaporates and they are deeply browned before proceeding...

• 2 tbsp butter
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced

Cream Base & Thickening

(If you chose the Smoky Bacon aromatic option, use the 2 tbsp of rendered bacon fat in place of the butter listed in these options).

Option: The Classic Roux Béchamel {id:base.roux}

A reliable, traditional sauce base with excellent cling. In your large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes until bubbling. Slowly stream in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer 3-5 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon...

• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk

Option: The Modernist (No Roux) {id:base.evap-milk, preptime:-5, cooktime:-2}

The smoothest, velvet-like sauce. Uses evaporated milk for effortless emulsification. Add evaporated milk directly to your warm sautéed aromatics (or just the warm butter). Bring to a simmer over medium heat...

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cans (12 oz each) evaporated whole milk

Option: The Southern Custard (For Baking Only) {id:base.custard, skill:medium}

A richer, firmer, almost sliceable texture designed to set in the oven. Add butter directly to your hot cooked pasta in a large bowl. In a separate large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs, milk, and cream until pale and combined...

• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream

Option: The Dairy-Free Alternative {id:base.dairy-free, preptime:+35, cooktime:-2, cost:+1, skill:medium}

Creamy, rich, and full of umami without any animal products. Soak cashews in hot water for 30 minutes; drain. Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until perfectly smooth. Pour into a large pot and simmer 3 minutes until thickened...

• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked
• 2 cups oat milk
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp tapioca starch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt

Ultimate Cheese Blend

Combine your cheeses. Turn off the heat (or remove your liquid base from the heat), and whisk in the cheese blend gradually, one handful at a time, until completely melted and smooth...

Option: Classic Comfort {id:cheese.comfort}

Sharp, melty, and nostalgic.

• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Option: The Gourmet Four-Cheese {id:cheese.gourmet, cost:+1}

Decadent, complex, and sophisticated flavor.

• 2 cups shredded Fontina or Gruyère cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola or blue cheese

Option: Bold & Spicy {id:cheese.spicy}

Kick up the heat.

• 2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
• 2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese

Assembly & Cooking Method

Combine pasta and sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed (1/4 cup at a time) to adjust consistency until the sauce is creamy and clings to every noodle. Fold in any sautéed bacon or mushrooms now.

Option: Stovetop (Instant Gratification) {id:cook.stovetop}

Combine pasta, aromatics, and sauce in your pot. Simmer gently on low heat for 1 minute just to thicken. Serve immediately...

Option: Golden Casserole Bake {id:cook.bake, cooktime:+20}

Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 baking dish. Fold the pasta and sauce together, transfer to the dish, and bake 15-20 minutes until bubbling and slightly set...

Option: The Broiler Crackle {id:cook.broil, cooktime:+5}

Stovetop creaminess with a crispy top. Combine on the stovetop and transfer to an oven-safe skillet or broiler-safe dish.Adjust oven rack 5 inches below broiler and set broiler to HIGH...

Final Finishes & Toppings

Customize your final bowl.

Option: Bacon & Chive {id:finish.bacon-chive, for:aromatics.bacon}

Garnish with the reserved crispy bacon and fresh herbs...

• Crispy bacon (reserved), crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped

Option: Earthy Mushrooms {id:finish.mushrooms, for:aromatics.mushrooms}

Garnish with the reserved sautéed mushrooms...

• Sautéed mushrooms (reserved)

Option: The Classic Crust {id:finish.bake-crust, for:cook.bake}

Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle over the mac right before baking...

• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Option: Potato Chip Crunch {id:finish.chips}

Crush chips over the finished, plated mac just before serving...

• 1 cup crushed plain or jalapeño potato chips