Description
A rich and cheesy delight that’s perfect for any occasion, serving as a main course or a comforting side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of paprika or mustard powder (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Start by cooking the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
- Add the milk: Gradually pour the milk while whisking continuously. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Cheese time: Lower the heat and add the cheddar cheese and Parmesan. Stir until melted and creamy, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and optional paprika or mustard powder.
- Combine with pasta: Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Adjust creaminess with a splash of milk if needed.
- Optional baking: Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
Use good quality cheese for the best flavor. Experiment with different cheese blends for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy pasta, comfort food, vegetarian dish, cheesy meal