Imagine a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that transforms ordinary pasta into a culinary sensation that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Diana's Mac and Cheese isn't just another recipe – it's a legendary comfort food experience that promises to become your family's new favorite dish. With its perfect blend of sharp cheddar, rich Parmesan, and a secret touch of mustard powder, this mac and cheese elevates the classic comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 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 teaspoon mustard powder
- 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 in a colander and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once fully melted and starting to bubble, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes to create a smooth roux. This helps prevent lumps in the sauce.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to simmer, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and add the mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to incorporate the seasonings evenly into the sauce.
- Remove the sauce from heat and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure every pasta piece is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish. For a golden top, you can optionally sprinkle additional cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes until the top is lightly browned.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips
- Always use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest, most velvety sauce. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- Whisk constantly when making the roux and adding milk to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth sauce.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- For a crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs or extra cheese before broiling.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to set and become even more creamy.
- For a gourmet twist, experiment with different cheese combinations like adding some smoked Gouda or sharp white cheddar.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 477kcal
Carbohydrates: 41g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 87mg
