If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly irresistible dish, the Buttermilk Mac & Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need on your table. This version of mac and cheese brings a rich tang from the buttermilk paired with gooey cheddar and tender pasta, baked to golden perfection. It’s the ideal blend of classic comfort food with a slight twist, delivering layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a potluck favorite, this dish never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to this Buttermilk Mac & Cheese Recipe’s charm. Each item plays a crucial role, from the tangy buttermilk that cuts through the richness to the sharp cheddar that melts perfectly into a velvety sauce.
- 6 eggs: Provides structure and richness, helping the cheese meld with the pasta beautifully.
- 2-1/2 cups buttermilk: Adds a pleasant tang and tender texture that’s a standout in this recipe.
- 3-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers that classic cheesy punch with a perfect melt and flavor depth.
- 1/2 cup butter (melted): Gives a luscious, buttery undertone that enhances creaminess.
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (cooked and drained): The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the rich sauce in every bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and elevating the overall flavor.
How to Make Buttermilk Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This step ensures your dish won’t stick and the crust will brown just right.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk until frothy and combined. Then stir in the melted butter and salt, preparing a smooth, rich base that will bind everything beautifully.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Fold in Pasta
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, letting its richness blend into the wet mix, before folding in the cooked and drained elbow macaroni. Make sure every piece is well coated in cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Transfer and Bake
Pour your mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling—signaling pure comfort food perfection.
How to Serve Buttermilk Mac & Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top once baked to add a pop of vibrant green and subtle freshness. For an extra indulgent touch, a light dusting of smoked paprika or crispy breadcrumbs adds texture and a flavor boost.
Side Dishes
This Buttermilk Mac & Cheese Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables, balancing the creamy richness with light, fresh flavors. Try serving it alongside garlic sautéed broccoli or a tangy coleslaw to diversify your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop individual portions into muffin tins before baking for personal mac and cheese cups that are perfect for parties or meal prepping. Or, turn it into a gratin by topping with extra cheese and baking until blistered and crispy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Buttermilk Mac & Cheese Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled tightly covered to maintain the creamy texture and prevent drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish after baking by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or placing it in a freezer-safe container. It stays good for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy a comforting meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen and warm in the oven at 325ºF until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. This method helps restore that fresh-baked crust and keeps the cheese sauce luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! While cheddar provides the classic flavor and smooth melt, you can experiment with gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a sharper aged cheddar to suit your taste. Keep the cheese quantity similar for the best texture.
Do I need to cook the pasta before baking?
Yes, cooking the elbow macaroni ahead ensures the pasta is tender and fully cooked inside the bake. Undercooked pasta will result in a crunchy, unpleasant texture, so make sure to cook it al dente before mixing with the rest.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This Buttermilk Mac & Cheese Recipe is already vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. Just check that your cheese is made with vegetarian-friendly rennet if that’s important to you.
Why buttermilk? Can I substitute it?
Buttermilk adds a unique tanginess and tender quality to the dish that plain milk can’t replicate easily. You can substitute with whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if needed, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
How can I make this mac and cheese extra creamy?
For an extra creamy texture, add a splash of heavy cream along with the buttermilk or stir in a little cream cheese. Using a combination of cheeses can also help achieve a more luxurious mouthfeel.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Buttermilk Mac & Cheese Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its perfect blend of tangy, cheesy, and buttery flavors, it’s sure to become one of your comfort food classics. Trust me, once you taste that golden baked top with that creamy, cheesy inside, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Print
Buttermilk Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and comforting Buttermilk Mac & Cheese combines the tangy richness of buttermilk with sharp cheddar cheese and tender elbow macaroni, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a family dinner or a hearty side dish, it offers a delightful twist on the classic mac and cheese with a smooth, custardy texture and a crispy top.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 eggs
- 2–1/2 cups buttermilk
- 3–1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 8 oz elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set the pan aside once prepared.
- Mix wet ingredients and cheese: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until fully combined. Then stir in the melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and a pinch of salt to season the mixture evenly.
- Add the pasta: Add the cooked and drained elbow macaroni to the wet mixture, stirring gently until all the pasta is well coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Transfer to pan: Pour the combined mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake until golden: Bake the mac and cheese uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is set. Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to firm up slightly.
Notes
- You can use sharp or extra sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
- Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
- For added crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Ensure pasta is well drained to avoid sogginess.
- This dish can be reheated in the oven or microwave for leftovers.
