Description
Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, bringing warmth and nostalgia to every bite. This creamy, cheesy dish features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich cheese sauce that melts in your mouth. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home, this quick and easy recipe can be customized with your favorite ingredients like crispy bacon or sautéed vegetables. With just a few simple steps, you can create a bubbling pot of deliciousness that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. Whether served as a main dish or a side, this macaroni and cheese will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Gradually whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly add the milk while whisking until smooth; increase heat to medium-high until bubbles form.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce on low heat, adding reserved pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg