Classic macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food that’s easy to make and incredibly delicious. Here’s a recipe for a good old-fashioned mac and cheese:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil a large pot of water and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until they are al dente (cooked but still slightly firm). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute, or until it becomes a light golden color, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk to create a smooth mixture, and cook for a few minutes until it thickens, continuing to stir.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, a little at a time, and stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked and drained macaroni in a large mixing bowl.
- Stir to coat the pasta evenly with the cheese sauce.
- Optional Crispy Topping:
- If you want a crispy topping, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Serve:
- Remove the mac and cheese from the oven (if you baked it with breadcrumbs) and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Scoop out generous portions and enjoy your classic homemade mac and cheese!
Feel free to customize your mac and cheese by adding ingredients like crispy bacon, diced tomatoes, sautéed onions, or chopped herbs for extra flavor and texture. This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity.
