The Best Homemade Macaroni Cheese Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Creamy macaroni cheese brings comfort right to your dinner table with its irresistible blend of melted goodness.

Cheese lovers understand the magic behind this classic dish that sparks childhood memories.

Perfectly cooked pasta intertwines with rich, velvety sauce in ways that make taste buds dance.

Comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying than this simple yet luxurious recipe.

Warm and indulgent, each forkful promises a delightful experience that connects generations through culinary tradition.

Curious cooks can whip up this delectable meal in under thirty minutes.

Prepare to savor every cheesy, delicious bite!

Everything Needed for Delia Smith Macaroni Cheese

• Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that serves as the foundation of this creamy cheese dish.
• Cheese: Rich and flavorful component that provides the signature taste and texture.
• Milk: Smooth liquid base that helps create a silky and luxurious sauce.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth base for the sauce.
• Mascarpone, Gruyere, Parmesan: Specialty cheeses that add depth and complexity to the dish.
• Egg Yolks, Egg Whites: Essential for creating a light, airy, and rich texture in the final dish.

• Onions: Adds subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper, Nutmeg: Classic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, consistent texture.

Step-by-Step for Delia’s Macaroni Cheese

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven and place a baking dish inside to heat up thoroughly, ensuring a perfect cooking environment.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta Water

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Base

In a saucepan, melt butter and cook onions until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet flavor.

Step 4: Create Creamy Liquid

Gradually whisk milk into the onion mixture, creating a smooth and velvety base for the sauce.

Step 5: Develop Roux Foundation

Sprinkle flour into the mixture and cook, stirring constantly to create a thick, golden roux that will help thicken the sauce.

Step 6: Season The Sauce

Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg to infuse the sauce with depth and complexity. Let it simmer gently.

Step 7: Enrich The Sauce

• Mascarpone
• Egg yolks
• Gruyere cheese
• Half of the Parmesan cheese

Step 8: Cook Pasta

Boil macaroni until it reaches the perfect al dente texture, then drain thoroughly.

Step 9: Whip Egg Whites

Beat egg whites until they form soft, pillowy peaks that will add lightness to the dish.

Step 10: Combine Ingredients

Mix the cooked pasta with the prepared sauce, then gently fold in the whipped egg whites.

Step 11: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the mixture to the preheated baking dish and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 12: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the dish on the high oven rack and bake until the top turns golden and the dish becomes beautifully puffed.

Step 13: Serve And Enjoy

Bring the macaroni cheese directly to the table and serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Kitchen Tips for Rich and Creamy Macaroni Cheese

• Prevent Pasta Clumping: Stir macaroni immediately after adding to boiling water to stop sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Master the Roux: Continuously whisk flour and butter mixture to create a smooth, lump-free base for creamy sauce.
• Elevate Egg Whites: Carefully fold whipped egg whites to maintain their airy texture, creating a lighter, more delicate mac and cheese.
• Choose Quality Cheese: Select freshly grated Gruyere and Parmesan for richer, more complex flavor compared to pre-shredded options.
• Temperature Control: Use a hot baking dish to help create a crispy, golden top and maintain the dish's temperature when serving.

Tweak Delia’s Macaroni Cheese with These Ideas

• Gluten-Free Macaroni Cheese: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour to create a roux, using gluten-free pasta and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Creamy Comfort: Substitute dairy ingredients with cashew cream, nutritional yeast, plant-based milk, and vegan cheese alternatives, using egg replacer for binding.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed mushrooms to increase protein content, creating a heartier meal with extra texture and flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Adaptation: Replace macaroni with roasted cauliflower florets, maintaining the rich cheese sauce while reducing overall carbohydrate content for keto-friendly diets.

What to Pair with Macaroni Cheese by Delia

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Reach for a crisp Chardonnay or buttery white Burgundy that complements the creamy, rich cheese sauce with balanced acidity and subtle oak notes.
• Craft Beer Companion: Select a smooth amber ale or Belgian wheat beer that cuts through the richness while enhancing the dish's complex cheese flavors with malty undertones.
• Fresh Side Salad Suggestion: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the mac and cheese's decadence, adding a bright, peppery contrast that cleanses the palate.
• Textural Crunch Addition: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crispy pancetta bits on top to introduce a delightful crunch that elevates the creamy macaroni's smooth texture.

How to Store Macaroni Cheese After Serving

• Store leftover macaroni cheese in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss.
• Transfer cooled macaroni cheese to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain best quality and texture.
• Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place macaroni cheese in oven-safe dish, add splash of milk to restore moisture.

Answers to Your Macaroni Cheese Questions

• What makes this macaroni cheese recipe different from classic versions?

This recipe uses a unique technique of whipping egg whites and folding them into the mixture, creating a lighter, more soufflé-like texture compared to traditional dense mac and cheese.

• Can I use different types of cheese if I don't have Gruyere and Parmesan?

While Gruyere and Parmesan offer distinct flavors, you can substitute with similar hard cheeses like Emmental or aged cheddar to maintain the rich, tangy profile of the dish.

• Is mascarpone necessary for this recipe?

Mascarpone adds incredible creaminess and richness to the sauce. If unavailable, you can replace it with cream cheese or additional Gruyere, though the texture will be slightly different.

Why Delia Smith Macaroni Cheese Is a Creamy Favorite

• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform classic mac and cheese into a gourmet experience with rich mascarpone, Gruyere, and delicate egg white folding technique.
• Master Culinary Skills: Learn sophisticated cooking methods like making a roux, whisking egg whites, and creating a silky smooth cheese sauce that impresses family and guests.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Perfect for elegant dinner parties, family gatherings, or a special weekend meal that feels both sophisticated and comforting.
• Nutritious Indulgence: Packed with protein from eggs and cheese, this recipe offers a balanced twist on traditional mac and cheese with added culinary complexity.

Macaroni Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 75 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy macaroni and cheese brings comfort straight from American kitchens, melding rich cheddar with tender pasta. Cheesy goodness awaits you in this classic dish that promises warm satisfaction and delightful indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 175 grams (6.2 ounces) macaroni

Cheese:

• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) Gruyere, grated
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) Parmesan, grated
• 75 grams (2.6 ounces) mascarpone

Remaining Ingredients:

• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 large egg whites
• 25 grams (0.9 ounces) butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 25 grams (0.9 ounces) plain flour
• 275 milliliters (9.3 fluid ounces) milk
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 whole nutmeg, grated

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F and place an empty baking dish inside to create a heated surface.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for pasta preparation.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and sauté finely chopped onions until translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Gradually introduce milk into the onion mixture, whisking continuously to create a smooth liquid base.
5. Sprinkle flour into the mixture, stirring constantly to develop a thick roux, cooking for 8-10 minutes until golden.
6. Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground pepper, and a hint of nutmeg. Allow to simmer gently for 4-5 minutes.
7. Remove saucepan from heat and incorporate mascarpone, egg yolks, grated Gruyere, and half the Parmesan cheese, blending until creamy.
8. Cook macaroni in boiling water until perfectly al dente, typically 7-8 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
9. Whip egg whites using an electric mixer until soft, billowy peaks form.
10. Gently fold cooked pasta into the prepared cheese sauce, then carefully incorporate the whipped egg whites.
11. Transfer the mixture into the preheated baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
12. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese across the top for a crispy golden crust.
13. Bake on the upper oven rack for 12-15 minutes until the surface turns golden and slightly puffy.
14. Serve immediately while hot and at peak creamy texture.

Notes

• Warm your baking dish beforehand to ensure an evenly heated base for the mac and cheese.
• Use freshly grated cheese for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Whip egg whites gently to create a lighter, more airy texture that elevates the dish’s overall creaminess.
• Adjust salt and seasonings gradually, tasting as you go to achieve perfect balance without overwhelming the delicate cheese flavors.

• Prep Time: 17 mins
• Cook Time: 58 mins
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 800 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 30 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 300 mg