YT Recipe

GRANDMA BERNICE’s MAC & CHEESE

GRANDMA BERNICE’s MAC & CHEESE is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 1080 calories per serving. Recipe by Karissa Stevens on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 33 min | Total: 58 min

Cost: $13.79 total, $2.30 per serving

Ingredients

  • 24 oz White Cheddar Cheese (shredded, reserve 1 cup for topping)
  • 8 oz American Cheese (shredded)
  • 1 pound Elbow Macaroni (dry)
  • 8 tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
  • 0.25 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 tsp All-Purpose Flour
  • 5 cups Whole Milk
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper (ground)
  • 1 tsp Paprika (sweet paprika)
  • 1 tsp Mustard Powder (dry mustard powder)
  • 0.5 tsp Salt (kosher or table salt)

Instructions

  1. Grate the Cheeses

    Using a box grater, shred the white cheddar and American cheese into separate bowls. Reserve about 1 cup of shredded cheddar for the topping.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8‑9 minutes. Do not add oil.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 212°F

  3. Drain the Pasta

    Drain the macaroni in a colander and let it sit for a minute to steam off excess water. Do not rinse.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Make the Roux

    In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Add Flour

    Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbles lightly.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Add Milk and Thicken

    Gradually pour the whole milk into the roux while whisking constantly. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Incorporate the Cheeses

    Stir in the shredded American cheese first until fully melted. Then add the shredded white cheddar in two handfuls, mixing over low heat until smooth. Reserve the reserved cup of cheddar for the topping.

    Time: PT4M

  8. Season the Sauce

    Whisk in the black pepper, paprika, mustard powder, and salt until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT1M

  9. Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Turn off the heat. Gently fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until every piece is well coated.

    Time: PT3M

  10. Transfer to Baking Dish and Add Topping

    Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 9x13‑inch baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cup of shredded cheddar evenly over the top.

    Time: PT3M

  11. Bake

    Place the dish in a pre‑heated oven at 350°F and bake for 10 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  12. Broil for a Golden Crust

    Switch the oven to high broil and broil the mac and cheese for 2 minutes, watching closely so the cheese does not burn.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Broiler high

Nutrition Facts

Calories
1080
Protein
50g
Carbohydrates
43g
Fat
65g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains gluten

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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GRANDMA BERNICE’s MAC & CHEESE

Recipe by Karissa Stevens

A creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese inspired by Grandma Bernice's classic recipe. Made with white cheddar, American cheese, a buttery roux, and a hint of mustard powder, then baked and finished under the broiler for a golden crust.

MediumAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
23m
Prep
29m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 2m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$13.79
Total cost
$2.30
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Cook the pasta al dente and do not add oil.
  • • Reserve a cup of shredded cheddar for the topping before mixing the sauce.
  • • Whisk flour into melted butter to form a smooth roux.
  • • Gradually add milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
  • • Do not overbake; broil only 2 minutes for a perfect crust.

Safety Warnings

  • • Boiling water can cause severe burns; handle the pot with oven mitts.
  • • Hot butter and cheese sauce may splatter; stir carefully.
  • • The oven and broiler become extremely hot; use heat‑proof gloves when removing the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Grandma Bernice's Baked Mac and Cheese in American comfort food cuisine?

A

Mac and cheese is a classic American comfort dish that dates back to colonial times, evolving from a simple cheese‑pasta combination to the rich baked version popularized in the South. Grandma Bernice's recipe reflects family‑passed traditions, adding mustard powder and paprika for a subtle Southern twist.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of baked mac and cheese in the United States?

A

In the South, baked mac and cheese often includes a crunchy breadcrumb topping and spices like paprika. In the Northeast, a creamier stovetop version is common, while the Midwest may add extra sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses. Grandma Bernice's version blends Southern seasoning with a creamy cheese sauce.

cultural
Q

How is Grandma Bernice's Baked Mac and Cheese traditionally served in American family gatherings?

A

It is typically served as a side dish at holiday meals such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, or as a main comfort meal on casual family nights. The dish is presented hot from the oven, often accompanied by a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is mac and cheese traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Mac and cheese is a staple at potlucks, family reunions, and holiday feasts, especially Thanksgiving. Its creamy, indulgent nature makes it a crowd‑pleaser for both children and adults at casual gatherings.

cultural
Q

What makes Grandma Bernice's Baked Mac and Cheese special or unique in American cuisine?

A

The recipe combines a smooth butter‑flour roux with both American cheese and sharp white cheddar, plus a secret pinch of mustard powder and paprika that add depth without overpowering the cheese. Reserving a cup of cheddar for the topping creates a perfectly browned crust.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for mac and cheese versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional baked mac and cheese uses elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, butter, flour, and milk. Acceptable substitutes include other short‑tube pastas, sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for the cheese, and 2% milk if whole milk is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with Grandma Bernice's Baked Mac and Cheese?

A

It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, BBQ ribs, or a simple herb‑roasted turkey. For a full meal, serve alongside sautéed green beans, coleslaw, or a crisp garden salad.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Grandma Bernice's Baked Mac and Cheese?

A

Common errors include overcooking the pasta, adding oil to the boiling water, not whisking the flour fully into the butter, and over‑baking the dish which can dry out the cheese. Also, failing to reserve cheese for the topping will result in a less crispy crust.

technical
Q

Why does this mac and cheese recipe use mustard powder instead of Dijon mustard?

A

Mustard powder distributes evenly in the sauce without adding extra moisture, giving a subtle tang that enhances the cheese flavor. Dijon mustard would introduce liquid and could thin the sauce.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Karissa Stevens specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Karissa Stevens focuses on approachable home cooking, sharing family‑style recipes, comfort food classics, and seasonal dishes with clear step‑by‑step video tutorials.

channel
More like this:American RecipesMain Course RecipesMore by Karissa Stevens

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