Description
This creamy, cheesy concoction is a delightful homage to the beloved fast-food classic. It’s perfect for any meal or as a delicious snack that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Mild cheddar cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Whole milk
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika (optional)
- Cayenne (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour, whisking continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and bubbles. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until every piece of pasta is evenly coated.
- Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Mix well to combine.
- For a crispy topping, transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with additional cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack for a spicy kick or cream cheese for extra creaminess. You can personalize your mac and cheese by adding cooked chicken or veggies like broccoli or spinach.