Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of The BEST Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese, a dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. With a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan, this mac and cheese is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this delightful recipe that kids and adults alike will adore. Customize it with your favorite proteins like chicken or turkey, or add vibrant vegetables for an extra nutritional boost. Whether served as a main dish or a side, this classic comfort food is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (gluten-free option available)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until bubbly.
- Gradually pour in milk while whisking to avoid lumps; cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in cheeses and seasonings until melted and smooth.
- Combine cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For additional flavor, consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or steamed broccoli. To enhance texture, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy finish.