Nothing beats the warmth of a bowl of creamy homemade Mac and Cheese; Picture yourself biting into a perfectly cooked noodle smothered in a rich and silky sauce filled with the bold flavors of sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan. That’s what awaits you with this delectable homemade recipe.
INGREDIENTS FOR HOMEMADE MAC AND CHEESE:
Elbow macaroni: This dish relies on elbow macaroni as a crucial ingredient to establish its base. The pasta’s curved form provides a secure grasp for the cheese sauce leading to a satisfying eating experience.
Butter: By adding butter the cheese sauce is not only enhanced in flavor but also given a luxurious and silky feel.
All-Purpose Flour: The multi-purpose flour acts as a thickener for the cheese mixture producing a velvety and smooth texture that sticks to the pasta.
Milk: The cheese sauce requires milk as its base. Whole milk is preferred in this recipe as it offers a smooth and rich flavor to the sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese is the standout ingredient in this dish adding a tangy flavor and sharpness to balance the richness of the cheese sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: The use of Parmesan cheese enhances the nutty flavor and contributes to a thicker cheese sauce resulting in a more complex overall taste.
Pepper and salt: Both of them are indispensable seasonings that accentuate the flavor profile of the cheese sauce.
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE MAC AND CHEESE:
As directed on the package prepare the macaroni until it is al dente.
Meanwhile melt the butter in a different pot over medium heat.
Here melted butter and flour combined then stirred.
Milk should be added gradually while being constantly whisked to avoid lumps.
Add the grated Parmesan and cheddar cheese when the sauce has thickened in the pan.
To taste add pepper and salt to the food.
After draining combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce by stirring.
Add more shredded cheddar cheese on top after transferring the mac and cheese to a baking dish.
Bake at 350°F in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbling which will take from 20 to 25 minutes.
MY BEST TIPS FOR THE BEST HOMEMADE MAC CHEESE:
- The taste can be elevated by selecting cheese of superior quality.
- By incrementally adding the milk you can effectively stop the cheese sauce from forming lumps.
- Avoid cooking the macaroni to the point of being soft as the baking process will cause it to become mushy.
- For a crunchy contrast top the mac and cheese with breadcrumbs before it goes into the oven for baking.
Homemade Mac and Cheese
Nothing beats the warmth of a bowl of creamy homemade Mac and Cheese; Picture yourself biting into a perfectly cooked noodle smothered in a rich and silky sauce filled with the bold flavors of sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan. That’s what awaits you with this delectable homemade recipe.
PREP TIME20 mins
COOK TIME10 mins
TOTAL TIME30 mins
COURSEpasta
CUISINEAmerican
SERVINGS4
CALORIES400 kcal
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb Elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 2 cups Grated cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Dried mustard powder
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- Salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- As directed on the package prepare the macaroni until it is al dente.
- Melt the butter using a large pot set over medium heat.
- When the mixture is smooth add the flour and whisk once more.
- Pour the milk and heavy cream in gradually whisking constantly until the liquid simmers and thickens.
- Pour the milk and heavy cream in gradually whisking constantly until the liquid simmers and thickens.
- After draining add the macaroni to the cheese sauce and blend thoroughly.
- In a baking pan put the macaroni and cheese.
- To get a golden crusty look cover the dish with more grated cheese and bake it in the oven until the cheese has melted.