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Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese
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Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food featuring creamy, cheesy sauce enveloping perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, this recipe is customizable, family-friendly, and budget-conscious. Enjoy a velvety sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and sharp cheddar cheese that satisfies cheesy cravings every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
  • 2 ½ cups whole or 2% milk (warmed)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Optional Variations

  • Pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick
  • Steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach for added veggies
  • Cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or diced ham for extra protein
  • Alternative cheese mix: mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
  2. Make the Roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a smooth paste; cook for about 1-2 minutes without browning to create the base for your sauce.
  3. Add Milk and Thicken: Slowly pour in the warmed milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and gently fold together until every noodle is covered in creamy goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best rich flavor without needing extra seasoning.
  • Don’t overcook pasta; al dente texture helps maintain mouthfeel after mixing or baking.
  • Warm the milk before adding to roux to prevent lumps and ensure a silky sauce.
  • Mix cheese into the sauce off the heat to avoid grainy texture.
  • Add crunchy breadcrumbs or crispy bacon as a topping for texture contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, quick dinner, family recipe, creamy sauce

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/mac-and-cheese/