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Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 6 reviews
  • Author: Lora
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This classic Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe delivers creamy, cheesy comfort in just 25 minutes. Perfectly cooked macaroni is enveloped in a rich cheese sauce made from a traditional roux, whole milk, and sharp cheddar cheese. Optional baking and broiling steps create a golden, crispy cheese crust for extra indulgence.

Ingredients

Macaroni

  • 8 oz. macaroni (uncooked)

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour (30g)
  • 2 cups whole milk (16 oz.)
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)
  • ½ tsp hot sauce
  • 2½ cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, 250g)

Topping (Optional)

  • Additional shredded sharp cheddar cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients: Prepare all ingredients measured and ready to use.
  2. Cook Macaroni: Boil macaroni according to package directions for 7-8 minutes until tender, drain in a colander, and set aside.
  3. Make Roux: In a medium pot over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook while whisking until mixture bubbles, then continue whisking and cook for 1 minute to form the roux.
  4. Add Milk: Slowly whisk in milk a few tablespoons at a time, allowing the mixture to thicken between additions.
  5. Simmer Sauce: Cook and whisk over medium heat until sauce gently simmers and thickens to heavy cream consistency, about 5 minutes.
  6. Season Sauce: Remove from heat and whisk in onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce.
  7. Add Cheese: Whisk in shredded cheddar cheese gradually, melting each addition before adding more. If sauce cools too much, briefly warm on low heat without boiling.
  8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked macaroni to cheese sauce and stir until fully combined. The mixture will thicken as it absorbs the sauce.
  9. Serve Optionally Baked: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Transfer mac and cheese to a casserole dish, top with extra shredded cheese, and bake for 15 minutes.
  10. Broil for Crust: For a crispy golden crust, broil for a few minutes while watching carefully to avoid burning.
  11. Serve Hot: Enjoy your creamy homemade mac and cheese fresh out of the pot or oven.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for best flavor and smooth melting.
  • If sauce becomes grainy, avoid boiling and keep heat low while melting cheese.
  • Hot sauce adds a subtle heat, but can be omitted or adjusted according to taste.
  • Baking and broiling steps are optional but add a delicious texture contrast.
  • Use whole milk for a creamier sauce; lower-fat milks may alter texture.

Find it online: https://meallora.com/homemade-mac-and-cheese-recipe/