Description
A comforting and creamy macaroni and cheese dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dining table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
- Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for about a minute until it turns golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps, and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, add the cheddar cheese, and stir until melted and creamy.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, mixing evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs and more cheese on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until golden brown (optional).
Notes
For a different flavor, you can substitute with Gruyère or gouda cheese, or add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy touch.
- 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: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: macaroni and cheese, comfort food, family recipe