Craving the ultimate comfort food that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds? Look no further than this mouthwatering Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese recipe that promises to be the BEST mac and cheese you've ever tasted! Forget about boxed mixes and bland alternatives - this from-scratch version is about to revolutionize your dinner game with its creamy, cheesy perfection that will have everyone at the table asking for the recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces 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 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and equipment: large pot, colander, whisk, baking dish, and measuring cups/spoons.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- 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 in a colander and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes to create a smooth roux, ensuring no lumps form.
- Gradually pour in milk while whisking constantly to prevent scorching. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove sauce from heat and stir in salt, black pepper, and paprika. Add shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and incorporated.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure every pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with additional paprika or chopped parsley.
Tips
- Choose High-Quality Cheese: Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar and real Parmesan for the most robust flavor. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- Master the Roux: The key to a smooth, creamy sauce is whisking the butter and flour carefully. Cook it for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste and create a perfect thickening base.
- Prevent Sauce Separation: Always remove the pot from heat before adding cheese and stir gently to prevent the sauce from becoming oily or grainy.
- Al Dente Pasta is Crucial: Cook the macaroni just until tender - overcooking will result in mushy mac and cheese.
- Let it Rest: Allow the dish to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.Pro tip: For extra crunch, consider adding a breadcrumb topping or broiling the last 2-3 minutes for a golden, crispy surface!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 85mg