Mike’s Farm Mac N Cheese Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of mac and cheese — gooey, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. If you’re looking for a homemade mac and cheese recipe that’s both rich in flavor and easy to prepare, you’ve come to the right place.

Mike’s Farm Mac n Cheese Recipe is a rustic, hearty take on the classic dish that brings together creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a golden breadcrumb topping. Inspired by farm-fresh ingredients and simple, wholesome cooking, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Whether you’re a mac and cheese aficionado or just starting your journey into comfort food, Mike’s recipe promises layers of creamy, cheesy goodness with every bite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to tweak with your favorite cheeses and add-ins.

Let’s dive into why this recipe has quickly become a beloved staple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This mac and cheese strikes the perfect balance between creamy and crispy. The cheese sauce is rich but not overwhelming, made with a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella for depth and meltiness.

The pasta cooks perfectly al dente, holding onto the sauce beautifully.

One of the best parts? The crunchy breadcrumb topping that bakes to a golden crisp, adding texture and a little extra flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

Mike’s Farm Mac n Cheese is also incredibly adaptable, so you can customize it with different cheeses or add vegetables and proteins for a heartier meal.

It’s a recipe that brings warmth, satisfaction, and a touch of farmhouse charm to your table — perfect for weeknights or special gatherings.

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 cups whole milk, warmed
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
• Whisk
• Colander
• Baking dish (9×13 inch recommended)
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts

Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Make the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 2 minutes to form a smooth paste. This will help thicken your cheese sauce.
3. Add the milk: Slowly pour in the warmed milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes, stirring often.
4. Season and add cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
5. Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all the noodles evenly.
6. Prepare breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until coated evenly. This will give you a crunchy, golden topping.
7. Assemble and bake: Pour the cheesy macaroni mixture into your greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For creamier mac and cheese, try adding a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce.

If you want to add a smoky twist, sprinkle in some smoked paprika or swap some cheddar for smoked gouda.

Vegetable lovers can mix in steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, or sautéed mushrooms before baking. For a protein boost, cooked bacon, ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken are delicious additions.

Don’t have panko? Regular breadcrumbs work fine — just add a bit of melted butter for extra crispness.

Finally, experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, fontina, or a sharp white cheddar for a deeper flavor profile.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Mike’s Farm Mac n Cheese pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp salads like a Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas or a tangy coleslaw to cut through the richness.

For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted or steamed vegetables or grilled protein. It also makes a fantastic side dish for barbecue or a cozy addition to vegetarian dinners such as the 400 Calorie Vegetarian Dinner Recipe Ideas for Healthy Meals.

If you’re looking to explore more comforting and wholesome recipes, check out the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food for another delicious and easy meal idea.

Conclusion

Mike’s Farm Mac n Cheese Recipe is a timeless comfort food staple that brings warmth and joy to your dining table. With its creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and golden breadcrumb topping, it delivers on both taste and texture.

This recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to impress guests at your next gathering.

What makes this mac and cheese truly stand out is its adaptability — you can tweak the cheese blend, add vegetables or proteins, and customize the seasoning to suit your taste. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced foodie, this recipe offers a satisfying, homemade alternative to store-bought mac and cheese.

So next time you crave that classic comfort, give Mike’s Farm Mac n Cheese a try — it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe box!

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