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Homemade Mac and Cheese

A creamy and comforting mac and cheese recipe that's perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Base Ingredients
  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni Classic choice, feel free to swap for any pasta shape.
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese Works best for robust flavor.
  • 2 cups Whole Milk Can substitute with almond or oat milk.
  • 2 tbsp Butter For creamy texture.
  • 2 tbsp Flour Helps thicken the cheese sauce.
  • 1 tbsp Nutritional Yeast Adds cheesy flavor without dairy - great for vegans.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning.
Optional Mix-Ins
  • Crispy bacon or fresh vegetables Add to customize.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce
  1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to create a roux.
  2. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously until thick and creamy.
  3. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly.
Combining and Baking
  1. Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, and pour it into a greased baking dish.
  2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly.

Notes

Consider adding a crunchy layer of breadcrumbs or mix different cheeses for added flavor. You can also incorporate veggies like spinach or broccoli for nutrition.