Description
Creamy homemade mac and cheese delights palates with its rich, comforting blend of sharp cheddar and smooth bechamel sauce. Pasta enthusiasts will savor this classic American dish that promises warmth and satisfaction in every cheesy bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
Dairy and Fat Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Seasoning and Optional Topping:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Boil macaroni in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain thoroughly in a colander.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until it becomes foamy and fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour into melted butter, whisking continuously for 2 minutes to create a smooth roux that eliminates raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour milk into roux, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps and create a silky, thickening base sauce.
- Reduce heat to low and incorporate cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until completely melted and creating a glossy, creamy texture.
- Season cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Fold cooked macaroni into cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated with the rich, velvety mixture.
- For a crispy finish, transfer mac and cheese to a preheated broiler-safe dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and broil at 500°F for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow sauce to slightly set and cool, then enjoy hot and creamy.
Notes
- Swap white flour for gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour to make the dish celiac-friendly.
- Use low-fat cheese and milk options to reduce overall calorie content without sacrificing creamy texture.
- Consider adding steamed vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower for extra nutrition and a colorful presentation.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations such as gruyère, parmesan, or gouda to create unique flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 5532 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg