Description
Dive into the ultimate comfort food with this creamy homemade mac and cheese that everyone loves. With a rich, velvety smooth cheese sauce, this dish is sure to bring smiles to your family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese or Fontina cheese, grated
- 4 ounces cream cheese or 4 slices American cheese
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add your elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions, aiming for al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside. Do NOT rinse it.
- Prepare the Roux: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until a thick paste forms.
- Create the Bechamel: Gradually whisk in the cold whole milk and heavy cream into the roux, whisking until smooth. Continue to whisk until the sauce begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the Sauce: Remove the pot from the heat and whisk in the dry mustard powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add any optional hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
- Melt in the Cheese: Add your grated sharp cheddar, Gruyère (or Fontina), and cream cheese (or American cheese) to the warm sauce in handfuls, whisking continuously until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained, cooked pasta to the pot with the cheese sauce and gently stir until every piece is thoroughly coated.
- Serve Immediately (or Bake!): Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Grate your own cheese for a silky sauce, and don't overcook the pasta. Adjust seasonings as needed, and consider adding proteins or veggies for customization.