Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a rich and velvety cheese sauce made from scratch, surpassing boxed versions with its smooth, buttery texture and sharp cheddar flavor. Perfect for a comforting meal that serves six.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and create a smooth paste.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, pouring slowly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted. Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder and mustard powder to enhance flavor.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to coat all pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve the mac and cheese warm for a comforting dish.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for a more intense, tangy cheese flavor.
- Whisking continuously while adding milk prevents lumps in the sauce.
- For creamier texture, use whole milk rather than low-fat alternatives.
- Optional: Add a dash of paprika or hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Keywords: creamy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, cheddar cheese pasta, comfort food, easy mac and cheese
Find it online: https://tastybella.com/creamy-homemade-mac-and-cheese-recipe/
