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Homemade Mac and Cheese

Homemade Mac and Cheese
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A quick and creamy homemade mac and cheese recipe that combines sharp cheddar and optional cheeses for ultimate comfort. Ready in under 30 minutes, using simple pantry ingredients, this dish delivers rich, cheesy goodness with a smooth texture. Perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to suit dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free version)
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk (or plant-based milk for vegan version)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded gruyere or mozzarella cheese (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder or 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.
  2. Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in all-purpose flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth paste. Cook for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste and start thickening the sauce.
  3. Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually pour in milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring over medium heat until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Stir in salt, pepper, and mustard powder or Dijon mustard if using, to boost flavor.
  4. Melt the Cheese: Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar and any additional cheese blends you prefer. Stir until all the cheese has melted into a silky, gooey sauce. Be sure not to let the sauce boil to prevent separation.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle is generously coated. Serve immediately for the best creamy consistency, or proceed to bake if you prefer a crunchy topping.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor and smooth melting.
  • Do not overcook pasta; it should be al dente to avoid mushiness.
  • Melt cheese slowly over low heat to prevent clumping.
  • Customize cheese blends by mixing in gruyere, fontina, or mozzarella.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, homemade, creamy, quick, comfort food, cheddar cheese, easy dinner

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