Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ozmacaroni
uncooked, $0.49
- 3 tbspbutter
$0.34
- 3 tbspall-purpose flour
30g, $0.03
- 2 cwhole milk
16 oz. $0.43
- ½ tsponion powder
$0.02
- ½ tspgarlic powder
$0.02
- ½ tsppaprika
$0.02
- ¾ tspsalt
$0.03
- ¼ tspblack pepper
- ½ tsphot sauce
$0.01*
- 2 ½ csharp cheddar cheese $2.08**)
Directions
- 1
Gather and prepare all ingredients.
- 2
Cook the macaroni according to the package directions (boil for 7-8 minutes, or until tender). Drain the macaroni in a colander and set aside.
- 3
Place the butter and flour in a medium pot over medium heat. Whisk until the butter is melted and the mixture begins to bubble. Once bubbling, continue to whisk and cook for one minute.
- 4
After cooking the butter and flour roux, slowly whisk in the milk. I added a few tablespoons at a time, letting each addition thicken before adding more milk.
- 5
Cook and whisk over medium heat until the milk gently simmers and thickens to the consistency of heavy cream, about 5 minutes. Be patient and let it fully thicken before adding the cheese, or it won’t melt smoothly.
- 6
Once it thickens, turn the burner off. Season the sauce with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Whisk to combine.
- 7
Add the shredded block cheddar a handful at a time, whisking until each addition melts before adding more. If the sauce cools too much, briefly return it to low heat, but don’t let it boil, or it may separate and turn grainy.
- 8
Add the cooked and drained pasta to the pot with the cheese sauce and stir to combine. If your pasta appears to be drowning in cheese, don't worry! It'll be the perfect consistency as the macaroni absorbs the sauce and thickens up.
- 9
Serve hot and enjoy!
Baked mac and cheese
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
- 2
After combining the drained pasta and cheese sauce, transfer it to a casserole dish.
- 3
Top with more shredded cheese, then bake for 15 minutes.
- 4
To achieve a golden brown crispy cheese crust, turn on the oven's broiler for just a few short minutes, watching it closely to prevent burning.
Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe
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About this Recipe
Searching for that ultimate bowl of creamy, dreamy comfort food? This homemade mac and cheese recipe delivers an incredibly cheesy experience perfect for any meal, whether you enjoy it plain or as a canvas for your culinary creativity. You'll love how straightforward it is to achieve restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.
What makes this mac and cheese stand out is its commitment to pure, unadulterated creaminess and intense cheese flavor, thanks to a classic roux-based sauce and sharp cheddar. A touch of onion powder and hot sauce subtly enhances the savory notes without overpowering the rich cheese, creating a perfectly balanced profile. This thoughtful combination is what truly elevates a simple mac and cheese to something special.
Prepare yourself for a truly luxurious mac and cheese experience. You'll find yourself diving into a bowl of perfectly cooked macaroni enveloped in a velvety, rich cheese sauce. The sharp cheddar provides a robust flavor that is both satisfying and familiar, while the subtle kick from the hot sauce adds an unexpected depth without making it spicy. It's a comforting classic that comes together surprisingly quickly, with only 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, making it ideal for a weeknight treat or a cozy weekend indulgence.
This homemade mac and cheese is a fantastic starting point for endless variations. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Colby Jack for varied flavor profiles. You could also stir in cooked proteins like shredded chicken or ham, or incorporate steamed vegetables such as broccoli or peas for a more complete meal. Don't have hot sauce? A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can provide a similar subtle warmth.
This versatile mac and cheese makes an excellent standalone meal or a beloved side dish. It's perfect for a cozy family dinner or a comforting potluck contribution, promising smiles all around.