Imagine diving into a creamy, dreamy bowl of macaroni that's so rich and decadent, it'll make your taste buds dance with pure joy! This isn't just another mac and cheese recipe - this is the ultimate white cheese macaroni that will transform your ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience. Whether you're a busy home cook or a comfort food enthusiast, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality deliciousness right in your own kitchen, with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded white cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling 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 medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Ensure the butter is fully melted and starts to bubble slightly without browning.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux that will help thicken the sauce and remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring until the mixture begins to thicken and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded white cheese in small handfuls, stirring until each addition is completely melted and incorporated.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat each pasta piece completely with the creamy sauce.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to set and further thicken.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Always use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce - pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- Whisk continuously when making the roux and adding milk to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth sauce.
- Use room temperature milk to help it incorporate more easily into the butter and flour mixture.
- Choose high-quality white cheeses like sharp white cheddar or a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for deeper flavor complexity.
- For extra richness, you can substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a little reserved pasta water.
- For a crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and broil for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 75mg
