Indulge in the comforting goodness of a classic mac and cheese dish with this easy and delicious recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, it’s a timeless favorite that will bring smiles to faces of all ages.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Directions:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, salt, pepper, ground mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir continuously to create a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes until it turns golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
- If desired, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy crust.
- Broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the top is golden brown (skip this step if you prefer a creamy, non-baked version).
- Serve hot and enjoy the irresistible goodness of homemade mac and cheese!
Tips and Quick Process:
- Customize your mac and cheese by adding cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, or sautéed onions for extra flavor.
- For a quick version, use pre-shredded cheese and skip the baking step.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties to find your favorite combination.
- Leftovers can be reheated with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
