Are you tired of the same old bland macaroni and cheese recipes that leave you feeling, well, a little cheesy? Look no further! Our Traditional Mac and Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food that will transport you back to your childhood. With a rich, velvety sauce and a perfectly cooked al dente pasta, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. And the best part? It's ridiculously easy to make! So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and get ready to indulge in the creamiest, most addictive mac and cheese of your life!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once butter is completely melted and starts to foam, add all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux. This helps prevent lumps in the sauce.
- Gradually pour milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and add shredded sharp cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy and uniform.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine and taste, adjusting seasonings if needed.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure every pasta piece is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- For a golden top, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle additional cheese on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until the top is lightly golden and crispy.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and cool slightly. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips
- * Make sure to cook your pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the cheese sauce. * Whisk continuously when adding the milk to the roux to prevent lumps from forming. * Don't overmix the cheese sauce, or it will become too thick and sticky. * For an extra-golden top, broil the mac and cheese for an additional minute or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. * Let the mac and cheese rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and cool slightly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 80mg
