Imagine diving into a bowl of the most decadent, velvety mac and cheese that will make your taste buds dance with pure joy! This isn't just another mac and cheese recipe - this is the Cheese Makers Mac Cheese that will transform your dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. Packed with sharp cheddar, creamy Parmesan, and a perfectly crafted sauce, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until it becomes smooth and starts to bubble slightly. Be careful not to brown the butter.
- Gradually whisk in all-purpose flour to create a roux. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, ensuring the mixture is smooth and golden.
- Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and add shredded sharp cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese is completely melted and sauce is smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure every pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Optional: For a crispy top, transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle additional cheese on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest, most melty sauce - pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- Cook your pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to absorb sauce and soften while mixing.
- Whisk your roux continuously to prevent burning and ensure a smooth base for your cheese sauce.
- For extra richness, consider using whole milk or even adding a splash of heavy cream.
- If you want a crispy top, don't skip the optional broiling step - it adds a delightful texture contrast.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to set and thicken slightly.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations to find your perfect flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 95mg
