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Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese in a pot with a wooden spoon stirring, made with elbow macaroni and cheddar cheese sauce.

Mac and Cheese

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This homemade mac and cheese is perfectly creamy and cheesy, featuring a rich, smooth sauce made from sharp cheddar, milk, and butter.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course, Side
Cuisine: American
Calories: 670
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz macaroni uncooked any variety
  • 3 tablespoon butter unsalted for a rich flavor
  • 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour for making the roux
  • 2 cups whole milk 16 oz provides creaminess
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder for seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder adds depth of flavor
  • ½ teaspoon paprika for a subtle smoky taste
  • ¾ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper for seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon hot sauce for a flavor boost optional
  • 2½ cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded use block cheese for best results

Method
 

  1. Gather and prepare all ingredients.
  2. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions (boil for 7-8 minutes, or until tender). Drain and set aside.
  3. Place the butter and flour in a medium pot over medium heat. Whisk until the butter melts and the mixture begins to bubble. Once bubbling, continue to cook and whisk for one minute.
  4. Slowly whisk in the milk, a few tablespoons at a time, allowing each addition to thicken before adding more. Cook over medium heat until the sauce gently simmers and thickens to the consistency of heavy cream, about 5 minutes.
  5. Turn off the heat. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and hot sauce to the sauce. Whisk to combine.
  6. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, stirring until each addition melts completely before adding more. If the sauce cools too much, briefly return to low heat, but do not let it boil.
  7. Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Don’t worry if it looks like too much cheese – the pasta will absorb it and reach the perfect consistency.
  8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 670kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 29gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 1029mgPotassium: 470mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For extra flavor, consider using Dijon mustard instead of hot sauce. Grate your own cheddar for the best melting experience.

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