Indulge in the comforting delight of homemade macaroni and cheese with our easy-to-follow recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly flavorful, this classic dish brings together tender macaroni pasta and a velvety cheese sauce that’s the perfect harmony of cheddar and creaminess. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting side dish for gatherings, this mac and cheese recipe is a surefire way to satisfy cravings and warm hearts with every delicious bite.
How to make Mac and cheese recipe
Mac and cheese, short for macaroni and cheese, is a popular dish that consists of cooked macaroni pasta mixed with a cheese sauce. The cheese sauce is typically made by combining melted cheese, butter, and milk, and sometimes thickened with flour or a roux. The dish is known for its creamy and cheesy texture, making it a comfort food favorite in many cultures. It can be served as a main dish or as a side, and it often includes variations such as adding breadcrumbs on top for a crispy topping or incorporating additional ingredients like bacon, vegetables, or various seasonings to enhance the flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add in the shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using), and stir well.
- Combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Cook over low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to adhere to the pasta.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve the mac and cheese warm as a delightful main dish or side.Feel free to customize this recipe by adding breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crispy texture, incorporating different types of cheeses, or including mix-ins like cooked bacon, diced vegetables, or herbs for added flavor. Enjoy your homemade mac and cheese!
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Notes
One important thing to note when making mac and cheese is to ensure that you gradually add the milk to the roux while stirring constantly. This helps prevent lumps from forming in the sauce and ensures a smooth and creamy consistency. Additionally, avoid cooking the cheese sauce over high heat, as high temperatures can cause the cheese to become stringy or clumpy. It's best to maintain a gentle simmer or low heat to melt the cheese evenly and create a velvety texture.
Nutrition
Serving: 75g
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