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+ servings
Mac and Cheese

Creamy Mac and Cheese That'll Warm Your Heart and Soul

Indulge in creamy mac and cheese that's perfect for bringing warmth and comfort to any gathering.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni or any medium pasta shape
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cups Parmesan Cheese fresh grated
  • 4 tablespoons Butter salted or unsalted
  • 0.25 cups Flour all-purpose
  • 2 cups Whole Milk or low-fat/nut-based alternatives
  • 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper fresh cracked
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika optional
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
Optional Mix-Ins
  • 1 cup Cooked Veggies like broccoli or peas
  • 1 cup Protein like diced ham or cooked chicken

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Mac and Cheese
  1. Boil salted water in a large pot, add elbow macaroni, and cook according to package instructions for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Sprinkle in ¼ cup of flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  3. Gradually pour in 2 cups of whole milk, stirring for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Mix in 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan until melted.
  6. Combine the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated.
  7. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with extra cheese or breadcrumbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For a crunchy topping, broil with breadcrumbs until golden brown.

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