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Homemade Mac and Cheese

Homemade Mac and Cheese
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Homemade Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy classic comfort food made from simple pantry ingredients. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe delivers rich, velvety macaroni coated in a smooth cheddar cheese sauce with an optional crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for quick dinners, customizable with add-ins, and ideal for all ages, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish with warm, indulgent flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups milk (preferably warmed)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

For Baking (Optional)

  • ½ cup bread crumbs

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain well and set aside to keep pasta firm enough to hold the sauce without becoming mushy.
  2. Prepare the Roux: Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste without browning.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: Slowly whisk in warmed milk, blending continuously until the mixture thickens into a creamy béchamel sauce. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and silky smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and mustard powder if desired.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and gently stir until each piece is fully coated with cheesy goodness.
  5. Optional Bake for Crispy Topping: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle bread crumbs on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until the topping is golden and crunchy for added texture contrast.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and creaminess.
  • Warm milk slightly before adding to the roux to prevent lumps.
  • Slightly undercook macaroni to avoid mushiness after baking or mixing.
  • Add cheese gradually off the heat to prevent grainy texture.
  • Customize texture by adding cream or extra cheese for creaminess, or bake with breadcrumb topping for firmness and crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade mac and cheese, comfort food, creamy mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, quick dinner, baked mac and cheese, classic recipe

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