Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy homemade mac and cheese recipe. Featuring perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, this dish is not just a meal; it’s a nostalgic trip to childhood. Quick to prepare, this mac and cheese is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends. Customize it with your favorite cheeses or add-ins for an unforgettable dining experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth and cook for about 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Add milk: Gradually whisk in milk and stir continuously until thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Melt cheese: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until fully melted. Adjust thickness with more milk if necessary.
- Combine: Toss the drained pasta with the cheese sauce until every piece is coated.
- Bake (optional): Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle additional cheese on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg