BEST Homemade Mac and Cheese Sauce

BEST Homemade Mac and Cheese Sauce

from biteswithbri.com

This easy Homemade Mac and Cheese Sauce can be used for stovetop or baked mac and cheese. It is creamy, flavorful, and loaded with 3 types of cheese. It starts with a simple roux, which thickens the sauce perfectly.

Ingredients

  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup + 1 Tablespoon all purpose flour
  • 12 ounces 1 1/2 cups evaporated milk*
  • 3 1/2 cups milk*
  • 1 Tablespoon hot pepper sauce*
  • 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
  • fresh cracked black pepper
  • 8 ounces swiss cheese*
  • 8 ounces mild or sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 4 ounces gruyere (shredded)
  • 16 - 20 ounces pasta (for serving*)

Directions

  1. 1

    Over medium heat, in a large pan, melt the butter.

  2. 2

    Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add in evaporated milk and regular milk.

  4. 4

    Whisk until the flour dissolves.

  5. 5

    Add hot sauce, garlic, onion, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.

  6. 6

    Whisk until spices are combined.

  7. 7

    Continue stirring and simmering the sauce (not boiling) until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 4 minutes). It will continue to thicken when you add the cheese.

  8. 8

    Stir in the swiss cheese until melted.

  9. 9

    Add the cheddar and gruyere.

  10. 10

    Stir until melted. The sauce should be smooth.

  11. 11

    Add the cooked pasta to the sauce.

  12. 12

    Fold until combined. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.