Mac and cheese, also known as macaroni and cheese, is a classic American dish that consists of macaroni pasta smothered in a creamy cheese sauce. It's a simple yet comforting dish that is loved by people of all ages.
How To Make:
To make Easy Mac and Cheese, you'll need macaroni pasta, butter, flour, milk, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Start by preparing the macaroni per the directions on the package. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat while the pasta cooks. To make a roux, mix in the flour once the butter has melted. Cook the roux for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden brown color.
To prevent lumps, add the milk gradually while whisking continuously. Continue cooking the sauce, whisking frequently, until it thickens and begins to simmer. Remove the sauce from the heat once the cheese has melted and been well incorporated. When making the sauce, season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce after draining it. Stir the pasta until it's fully coated in the sauce. Serve the Easy Mac and Cheese hot and enjoy!
Not only is this recipe simple to create, but it may also be altered. You can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne or shells, and you can mix in additional ingredients to add more flavor and texture. Some popular additions include cooked bacon, diced ham, diced tomatoes, or sautéed vegetables.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
Be sure to stir the cheese sauce constantly while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.
Use a good quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, for a smooth and creamy sauce.
To make the dish healthier, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta and reduce the amount of cheese and butter in the recipe.
If you don't have a saucepan, you can make the cheese sauce in the microwave by heating the butter, flour, and milk in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens. Then stir in the cheese until melted.
Variations:
For a smokey flavor, stir in some cooked bacon or ham to the mac and cheese.
Stir in diced tomatoes, green onions, or jalapenos for a spicy twist.
Mix in cooked broccoli or cauliflower for added nutrition and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as gouda, feta, or blue cheese, for a unique flavor.
Add a crispy breadcrumb topping by mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkling it over the top of the mac and cheese before baking in the oven.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz macaroni pasta
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Observe the directions on the package when cooking the macaroni. Drain and set aside.
Melt the butter in a moderate volume over medium heat.
When the mixture is bubbling and smooth, add the flour and whisk again. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
To prevent lumps, add the milk gradually while whisking continuously.
Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens and begins to simmer, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the cheese has melted and been thoroughly mixed, remove the sauce from the heat. To taste, add salt and black pepper to the sauce.
Add the cooked macaroni pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
Serve the Easy Mac and Cheese hot and enjoy!
Optional step: If you want a crispy breadcrumb topping, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.