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Mac and cheese
Heat the oven to 200°C and butter a 23 x 33 cm baking dish. Boil the macaroni in well-salted water for two minutes less than the packet says, drain, and leave it in the colander.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Mac and cheese take?
1 hr 10 min all in — 15 min prep, 45 min cook, 10 min rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 6 people. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Easy.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Wheat, Milk. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Vegetarian, Nut-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Stockpot, Saucepan, Oven.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 2 tsp (plus more for the pasta water).
What can I use instead?
Gruyère → Monterey Jack, Colby or more cheddar. Jack melts smoother and milder. All-cheddar is the plain classic. Panko → Crushed butter crackers. A Midwestern potluck habit. Saltier and richer.
What should I watch for?
Do not boil the sauce once the cheese is in, or it splits and turns stringy.
Any tips from this recipe?
For the Southern custard-style version, whisk two eggs and 350 ml evaporated milk into the cooled sauce before the pasta goes in, and swap the crumbs for another layer of cheddar. You can assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate it. Add the topping just before baking and give it ten extra minutes. Cavatappi or shells hold more sauce than elbows if you want to stray.
Can I prepare this ahead?
You can assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate it. Add the topping just before baking and give it ten extra minutes.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.