Are you ready to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds? Look no further than this irresistibly creamy, perfectly cheesy macaroni and cheese recipe that promises to elevate your home cooking game! Forget about bland boxed versions – this homemade delight is about to become your new go-to comfort food that combines rich, velvety cheese sauce with perfectly cooked pasta in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat until it becomes foamy and starts to bubble slightly.
- Sprinkle flour into the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux, ensuring no lumps form.
- Gradually pour milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent any clumping. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese is completely melted and sauce is creamy and uniform.
- Season the cheese sauce with paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to ensure every pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional paprika if desired. Enjoy your creamy macaroni and cheese!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cheese: While cheddar is classic, experiment with a blend of cheeses like gruyère or monterey jack for complex flavor.
- Prevent Grainy Sauce: Always add cheese off the heat and stir gently to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
- Salt Wisely: Remember that cheese is already salty, so add salt gradually and taste as you go.
- For Extra Richness: Consider adding a splash of heavy cream or using whole milk instead of low-fat milk.
- Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Cook macaroni just until al dente, as it will continue to absorb sauce and soften after mixing.
- Make It Crispy: For a delightful twist, top with breadcrumbs and broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden, crunchy top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 70mg
