macoroni and cheese recipe

macoroni and cheese recipe

The Best macoroni and cheese recipe

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food dish that has been a staple in many American households for generations. I grew up eating this dish, and my kids love it just as much as I do.

There’s something about the combination of the creamy cheese sauce and the al dente pasta that just makes it irresistible. As a busy mom, I appreciate that this recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit everyone’s tastes.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion dish, macaroni and cheese is always a good idea. The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can add in different types of cheese, meats, and vegetables to make it your own.

My kids love it when I add in some diced ham or bacon to give it a smoky flavor. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good cheesy sauce?

It’s the perfect way to get everyone to eat their veggies without even realizing it. My kids are actually quite picky eaters, but they devour this dish every time I make it.

In fact, my youngest son has requested it for his birthday dinner every year since he was old enough to have an opinion. It’s just one of those dishes that never gets old, and I’m so glad I can share it with all of you today.

Classic Macaroni and Cheese

Classic Macaroni and Cheese

4.7 from 1203 votes

A comforting classic dish featuring tender macaroni pasta in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz elbow macaroni

For the Cheese Sauce

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

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain and set aside.
4You will see the macaroni floating on the surface when it is ready to drain.
5In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
6Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light brown.
7This is a roux and will thicken the sauce.
8Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
9Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens slightly and begins to simmer.
10This will take about 5 minutes and you will see the sauce starting to bubble.
11Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
12This will take 3-4 minutes.
13Remove the saucepan from the heat and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
14Stir well to combine.
15Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
16This will take 1-2 minutes and you will see the pasta turning a yellowish color as the cheese sauce coats it.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Saucepan
Wooden spoon
Colander

📊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: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. This recipe can be baked with a breadcrumb topping for added crunch. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Classic Macaroni and Cheese Works

I love how easy it is to customize this recipe to suit everyone’s tastes. My family loves it when I add in some steamed broccoli or carrots to make it feel like a healthier option.

And let me tell you, reheating leftovers is a breeze with this recipe – just pop it in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly. One of my favorite things about macaroni and cheese is how well it stores in the fridge or freezer – perfect for meal prep or when you need a quick lunch or dinner on-the-go.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Macaroni and Cheese

Q: What type of pasta is best for macaroni and cheese?

The best type of pasta for macaroni and cheese is indeed macaroni, but you can also use other shapes like shells or elbow macaroni if you prefer.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can definitely experiment with different types of cheese to find the combination that works best for you. Some popular options include cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and gouda.

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

To prevent the cheese sauce from becoming too thick, make sure to stir constantly while adding the milk or cream. If the sauce does start to thicken too much, simply add a little more milk or cream to thin it out.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time by preparing the cheese sauce and cooking the pasta separately. Then, simply combine them in a casserole dish and bake until golden brown.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you omit any added meats or cheeses made from animal products.

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