cheese sauce macaroni recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best cheese sauce macaroni recipe

I’ve been making this cheese sauce macaroni recipe for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. It’s a classic comfort food dish that never fails to satisfy. I remember my kids when they were younger, they would always ask for this when they came home from school.

It’s easy to see why – the combination of creamy cheese sauce and al dente pasta is a match made in heaven. As a busy mom, I appreciate how quickly this dish comes together, and how versatile it is for any occasion. Whether we’re having a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe never disappoints.

The key to this recipe is in the technique of cooking the pasta just right, so it’s still slightly firm in the center. This helps the cheese sauce cling to it perfectly, without becoming too soggy or overcooked. My family loves when I make this for them, and I’m sure yours will too!

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to customize to your taste. Want more cheese? Add more!

Want less pasta? No problem! It’s a very forgiving recipe, which makes it perfect for beginners or experienced cooks alike.

As an added bonus, this dish is also relatively healthy compared to other comfort foods out there. With whole wheat pasta and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese, you can feel good about serving this up to your loved ones.

Cheesy Macaroni with Homemade Cheese Sauce

4.8 from 1409 votes

A comforting classic dish featuring tender macaroni pasta smothered in a rich, homemade cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Macaroni

12 oz elbow macaroni

For the Cheese Sauce

4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp flour
4 cups whole milk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally and checking for doneness.
3Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
4In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
5Add flour to create a roux, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and lightly golden.
6Gradually add milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
7Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
8Stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
9Add cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
10If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
11Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stir until the pasta is well coated.
12Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
13Serve immediately while hot.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Medium saucepan
Colander
Wooden spoon
Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This cheese sauce macaroni recipe is always a good idea. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to make in large batches for family gatherings or potlucks.

Leftover macaroni can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, but I find it’s best enjoyed fresh. When reheating, a little extra milk can help restore the creamy texture.

Serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Macaroni with Cheese Sauce

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

This recipe works best with elbow macaroni or other short, tubular pasta shapes.

Q: Can I substitute different types of cheese?

Sure thing! While cheddar and mozzarella are my go-to cheeses for this recipe, you can experiment with other varieties like Parmesan, Gruyère, or even vegan alternatives.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming too thick?

Avoid overcooking the pasta or using too much cheese at once. If you find your sauce getting too thick, simply add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but if you need to prepare ahead of time, cook the pasta and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before assembling the final dish.

Q: Is it possible to freeze this recipe?

You can freeze both cooked and uncooked components separately. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as needed.

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