Homemade mac and cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food made with elbow macaroni, melted cheese, butter, and milk. This easy recipe can be customized with various toppings and seasonings, making it perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2-3 minutes until it turns golden brown.
- Slowly add the milk to the pot, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot and stir until it has melted and is fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Add the salt, black pepper, and paprika to the pot and stir until everything is well combined.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the pot and stir until the pasta is fully coated in the cheese sauce.
- If you prefer a baked macaroni and cheese, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake it in the oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve the macaroni and cheese hot and enjoy!