Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will revolutionize your comfort food game! This isn't just another mac and cheese recipe - this is the ultimate "Killer Mac and Cheese" that will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests beg for seconds. Imagine a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that combines the perfect balance of rich cheddar, perfectly cooked pasta, and a sauce so smooth it'll make you forget about every boxed mac and cheese you've ever tried. Get ready to elevate your home cooking and become the mac and cheese champion of your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once completely melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux. This helps prevent lumps in the sauce.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy and uniform.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat every pasta piece completely with the creamy sauce.
- Remove from heat and let the mac and cheese sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to set and thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged - it melts more smoothly and delivers a more intense flavor.
- Whisk the roux (butter and flour mixture) constantly to prevent burning and ensure a silky smooth sauce.
- Add milk gradually while whisking to create a lump-free cheese sauce.
- Season your pasta water with salt to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and develop a more luxurious texture.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or using a blend of cheeses.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little extra milk; if it's too thin, continue cooking to reduce and thicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 75mg
