Intro

There are some dishes that feel like a hug, and then there are dishes that feel like a full-on celebration. For me, the Leroy Butler Mac and Cheese Recipe is both. The first time I made it, I wasn’t just cooking pasta and cheese. I was recreating something bold, comforting, and a little legendary.

As a female chef who grew up believing that mac and cheese could solve almost anything, I take my comfort food very seriously. And this recipe? It delivers in the most beautiful way.

When you think of a great baked mac and cheese, you imagine creamy sauce clinging to every curve of pasta, a golden top that cracks gently under your fork, and that rich, cheesy pull that makes everyone at the table go quiet for a second.

That’s exactly what you get here. The Leroy Butler Mac and Cheese Recipe isn’t shy. It’s rich. It’s flavorful. It’s indulgent in the best way.

In this post, I’m walking you through every detail—ingredients, techniques, flavors, and the little personal touches that make this dish unforgettable. Put on your favorite playlist, tie your apron, and let’s cook something that feels like home.

What is Leroy Butler Mac and Cheese Recipe?

The Leroy Butler Mac and Cheese Recipe is a bold, baked mac and cheese that’s known for its creamy texture, layered cheese flavor, and perfectly golden crust. It’s not the kind of mac you whip up in ten minutes from a box.

This is the real deal—made with a roux-based cheese sauce, multiple cheeses, and baked until bubbling and slightly crispy on top.

What makes it special is balance. It’s creamy without being soupy. It’s cheesy without being greasy. The flavor has depth because we build it carefully—starting with butter and flour, whisking in warm milk, adding sharp cheddar for bite, mozzarella for stretch, and a touch of seasoning to wake everything up.

It’s the kind of dish you bring to family gatherings, holiday dinners, potlucks, or Sunday meals when everyone is lingering at the table just a little longer.

Equipment List

Before we begin, here’s what you’ll need in your kitchen:

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Colander (for draining pasta)
• Medium saucepan (for cheese sauce)
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if shredding fresh cheese)
• Oven mitts

Nothing fancy. Just solid kitchen basics.

Recipe Card Info

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Serves: 6
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Course
Calories: Approximately 520 calories per serving

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk (warmed)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing dish)

Freshly shredded cheese really matters here. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect how smooth your sauce becomes.

Instructions (Step by Step)

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter and set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente. You want it slightly firm because it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Roux

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour. Whisk continuously for about 1–2 minutes. The mixture should look smooth and slightly golden, but not browned. This is your roux—the base of your creamy sauce.

Step 4: Add Milk and Cream

Slowly pour in the warmed milk while whisking constantly. This prevents lumps. Add the heavy cream and continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 4–5 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Add Seasoning and Cheese

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gradually add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until completely melted and silky smooth.

Taste. Adjust salt if needed.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until every piece is coated in that creamy goodness.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan evenly over the top.

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set slightly so you get perfect slices instead of a loose scoop.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

There’s science behind comfort food. The combination of fat from butter and cheese, starch from pasta, and protein from dairy creates a deeply satisfying dish. In the Leroy Butler Mac and Cheese Recipe, the blend of cheeses is intentional.

Sharp cheddar gives that classic bold flavor. Mozzarella brings stretch and smooth melt. Monterey Jack adds creaminess without overpowering the dish. Parmesan on top forms a delicate crust that adds contrast.

The roux is the secret weapon. It stabilizes the sauce so it stays creamy instead of separating. Skipping this step is what leads to greasy mac and cheese, and we don’t want that.

Flavor Profile: What It Tastes Like

This dish is rich, creamy, slightly tangy from the cheddar, and gently smoky from paprika. The garlic and onion powder don’t make it taste strongly of either ingredient—they just deepen the flavor.

The top layer gets beautifully golden and slightly crisp, while the inside stays velvety and smooth. Each bite has that comforting softness, followed by bold cheese flavor that lingers.

It’s indulgent without being overwhelming.

Tips From My Kitchen

1. Warm Your Milk

Cold milk can shock the roux and create lumps. Warm milk blends smoothly.

2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Remember, it bakes again. Slightly undercooked pasta keeps the texture perfect.

3. Shred Your Own Cheese

It melts better. Always.

4. Let It Rest

Patience matters. Give it those 10 minutes after baking.

Make It Your Own

I love the classic version, but sometimes I play.

• Add crispy turkey bacon for a smoky twist.
• Stir in sautéed mushrooms for earthiness.
• Mix in a pinch of cayenne for subtle heat.
• Top with buttery breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

The base of the Leroy Butler Mac and Cheese Recipe is strong enough to handle creative additions.

Serving Suggestions

This mac and cheese can absolutely stand alone as a main dish. But it also pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled chicken
• Barbecue ribs
• Roasted vegetables
• Fresh green salad with vinaigrette

The freshness of a salad balances the richness perfectly.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, add a splash of milk before warming in the microwave or oven. This keeps the sauce creamy.

You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the roux
• Using low-fat milk only
• Overbaking until dry
• Not seasoning properly

Mac and cheese needs seasoning. Cheese alone is not enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble it fully, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

Can I use different pasta?

Absolutely. Shells or cavatappi work beautifully.

Is this kid-friendly?

Very. It’s creamy and comforting with no overwhelming spices.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this Leroy Butler Mac and Cheese Recipe, it reminds me why I fell in love with cooking. It’s simple ingredients transformed into something memorable. It’s laughter around a table. It’s second helpings. It’s comfort.

As a woman in the kitchen who cooks with heart first, I believe food should feel generous. This dish is generous. Creamy, golden, rich, and unapologetically comforting.

So go ahead. Make it. Share it. Watch everyone fall silent for that first bite.

And don’t be surprised if it becomes your signature dish too.

More Recipes:

• Green Apple Smoothie Recipe
• Dinosaur Barbeque Coleslaw Recipe
• Crispy Cottage Cheese Chips Recipe