Ultimate Simple Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Ultimate Simple Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Macaroni and cheese is the epitome of comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner, a side dish, or a crowd-pleasing meal, this Simple Macaroni and Cheese recipe is a timeless favorite. With a rich and velvety cheesy sauce, this dish takes just a few ingredients and under 30 minutes to prepare. Let’s walk through the steps to making the perfect mac .

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape like shells or penne)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk (or 2% milk, but whole milk gives a creamier result)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar (choose a good-quality cheese for the best flavor)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Optional: a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor

Equipment:

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Medium saucepan (for making the cheesy sauce)
• Whisk (to combine the sauce ingredients smoothly)
• Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
• Colander (to drain pasta)

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni pasta:

• Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Adding salt to the water helps season the pasta as it cooks, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
• Add the elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta shape) to the boiling water and stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, typically for about 7-9 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Al dente pasta has a slight firmness when bitten, which is ideal for mac and cheese since it will hold up well when mixed with the sauce.
• Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Be sure to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to adjust the consistency of the cheesy sauce later.

2. Make the roux (flour and butter mixture):

• While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheesy sauce. In a separate medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Butter is the base for the sauce and will help achieve that smooth, creamy texture.
• Once the butter is melted and starts to bubble slightly, add the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Using a whisk, stir the flour into the butter to form a paste-like consistency (this is called a “roux”). Cook the roux for about 1 minute, constantly whisking to avoid burning the mixture. You’re cooking the flour to remove its raw taste, which will result in a smooth, velvety sauce.

3. Add the milk:

• Gradually pour in the 1 ½ cups of milk, adding it in small splashes while continuing to whisk. This helps to prevent any lumps from forming. Whisking constantly, cook the mixture for about 3-5 minutes or until it thickens slightly and starts to simmer. Be sure to keep the heat medium to avoid burning the milk, which can cause a bitter flavor.
• As the sauce begins to thicken, you should notice it becoming smoother and creamier.

4. Melt in the cheese:

• Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and slowly add 1 ½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar . Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
• If you find the sauce too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water (about 2-3 tablespoons at a time) to loosen it up and achieve your desired consistency. This also helps the sauce better adhere to the pasta.

5. Season the sauce:

• Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and black pepper to taste. If you want a bit of extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick. A pinch of mustard powder can also be added for a slight tang and depth of flavor.

6. Combine the Maccaroni and cheese sauce:

• Once your cheese sauce is smooth and seasoned to your liking, add the drained pasta into the sauce. Stir gently to coat the macaroni evenly with the cheesy sauce. Ensure all the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce and well coated. If the sauce seems too thick after adding the pasta, you can stir in a little more pasta water or milk to reach the desired creaminess.
• https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/238691/simple-macaroni-and-cheese/

7. Serve and enjoy:

• Your mac and cheese is ready to be served! Spoon the creamy macaroni and cheese onto plates or into a serving dish. You can sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish, or add a little bit of paprika or parsley for color and extra flavor.
• Serve hot as a main dish, side dish, or even as a base for other add-ins like crispy bacon, sautéed vegetables, or a topping of fried onions.
• Don’t hesitate to discover more Cheese recipes in our website

Tips and Variations:

• Use a combination of cheeses: While sharp cheddar is a classic, you can mix in other cheeses like mozzarella for stretchiness, parmesan for a nutty kick, or gouda for extra smokiness.
• Creamy mac and cheese: For a richer, creamier texture, consider adding a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
• Add-ins: Elevate your mac and cheese with a variety of add-ins. Try cooked bacon, chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even diced tomatoes. For a spicy twist, add jalapeños or a bit of sriracha.
• Baked mac and cheese: For a crispy topping, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
• Make it gluten-free: Simply use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Conclusion:

This Simple Macaroni and Cheese recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these easy steps, you can create a creamy, cheesy masterpiece in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a satisfying solo meal, this mac and cheese will hit the spot every time. Customize it to your taste, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort.