Macaroni and cheese

Macaroni and Cheese is a classic comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and delicious. This recipe features a rich cheese sauce combined with perfectly cooked pasta for the ultimate indulgence. Here’s a simple recipe to make homemade macaroni and cheese from scratch!

Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or 1 cup milk and 1 cup heavy cream for extra richness)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for added creaminess)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 tsp ground mustard (optional, but enhances flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 tsp paprika (for a slight smoky flavor, optional)

For the topping (optional):

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• Extra cheese for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the cheese sauce:

   • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously to make a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
   • Slowly pour in the milk (or milk and cream mixture), whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens.
   • Once the sauce is thickened, reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
   • Season with garlic powder, ground mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.

3. Combine pasta and cheese sauce:

   • Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy cheese sauce.

4. Optional: Add breadcrumb topping:

   • In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Pour the macaroni and cheese into a baking dish, then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top, along with some extra cheese if desired.
   • Place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

5. Serve:

   • Serve your creamy macaroni and cheese hot. You can garnish with additional seasonings or fresh herbs like parsley if you like.

Enjoy:

This Macaroni and Cheese is incredibly creamy, cheesy, and comforting, with a smooth sauce that wraps around the pasta perfectly. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a side dish, it’s the ultimate comfort food!