Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and the ultimate comfort food! Perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or cozy weekends, this dish is simple, indulgent, and loved by all. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious, rich cheese sauce that makes every bite of macaroni melt in your mouth.
Kochutensilien
- Large pot (for boiling the pasta)
- Saucepan – For making the cheese sauce.
- Baking dish (optional, for baking the mac and cheese)
Zutaten
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk whole or 2%
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- ¼ teaspoon mustard powder optional
- ¼ teaspoon paprika optional
- ½ cup breadcrumbs optional, for topping
Anleitungen
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually add the milk, whisking to prevent lumps, and continue to stir until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, and add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the sauce. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Bake (Optional): If you prefer a baked version, transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Notizen
For a richer sauce, substitute some of the milk with heavy cream.
Feel free to mix in additional cheeses like Gouda or Gruyère for extra flavor.
If you like your mac and cheese extra creamy, use a combination of cream cheese and cheddar cheese.
For added crunch, top with panko breadcrumbs before baking.
Make it spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
Nährwerte
Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 21gFat: 25gSodium: 750mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6g
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