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Homemade Mac and Cheese

Homemade Mac and Cheese
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Homemade Mac and Cheese is a comforting and creamy classic dish featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, smooth cheese sauce made from a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy cheeses. Easy to prepare with simple pantry staples, this versatile recipe delivers rich flavor and luscious texture, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining. Customizable with various cheeses, spices, and add-ins, it’s a beloved family favorite that guarantees satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni pasta

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup creamy cheese (such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack), shredded
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until just tender but still firm to the bite (al dente), then drain and set aside. This prevents mushy pasta and keeps a perfect texture when combined with the sauce.
  2. Make the Roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour continuously to form a smooth paste without lumps. Cooking the roux for a couple of minutes removes any raw flour taste and ensures a silky sauce.
  3. Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually pour in milk while whisking to keep the mixture smooth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in mustard powder, salt, and pepper for balanced flavor.
  4. Melt the Cheese: Lower heat and add your shredded cheeses bit by bit, stirring constantly to fully incorporate them into the sauce while keeping it creamy and luscious.
  5. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until every piece is evenly covered. This step ensures every bite is full of cheesy goodness.
  6. Optional Baking: For a bubbly golden crust, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until browned and crisp on top.

Notes

  • Choose quality cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents.
  • Don’t overcook pasta: Slightly undercooking prevents it from becoming mushy in the final dish.
  • Whisk continuously: Keeps the sauce smooth and prevents clumps when adding flour or cheese.
  • Use room temperature milk and cheese: Helps them blend into the sauce faster and more evenly.
  • Customize with spices: Experiment with paprika, nutmeg, or garlic powder to find your personal flavor profile.
  • For a spicy kick, add cayenne or diced jalapeños.
  • Boost nutrition by adding steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and a suitable thickening agent.
  • Add cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or ground beef for added protein.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, easy dinner

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