Description
Creamy Homemade Mac & Cheese is a quintessential comfort food that evokes memories of cozy family gatherings and late-night snacks. This delicious dish stands out among numerous comfort foods for its cheesy richness and creamy texture, making it a cherished favorite in many households. While you can find countless store-bought versions, nothing compares to the satisfying taste and warmth of a homemade batch. This recipe is perfect for busy families looking for a simple, delicious meal. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that guarantees creamy, cheesy goodness!
Ingredients
- 8 ounce elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cup milk
- 2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tablespoon butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
1. 1. Begin by boiling the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. 2. While the pasta is cooking, melt 2 tablespoon of butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in 2 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute while stirring constantly.
3. 3. Slowly pour in 2 cup of milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
4. 4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. 5. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well-coated.
6. 6. For a crunchy topping, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle it over the macaroni mixture if desired.
7. 7. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer the mac & cheese to a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
8. 8. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
Using high-quality cheddar cheese and fresh ingredients elevates the flavor, making your mac & cheese truly stand out. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that coveted creamy texture and rich taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 600 milligrams
- Fat: 25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 15 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 20 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 milligrams