Mac and Cheese Recipe
Here's to delightful dishes and the joy of cooking! May your Mac and Cheese be as rich and comforting as the memories you create around the table." 🍽️❤️🧀
Equipment
- Large pot For mixing.
- Whisk Essential for stirring and ensuring a smooth sauce, especially when creating the roux and incorporating the milk.
- Medium-sized saucepan For making the cheese sauce.
- Oven-proof casserole dish To bake the Mac and Cheese in the oven
- Measuring cups and spoons To accurately measure out ingredients.
- Wooden spoon Useful for stirring the pasta into the cheese sauce.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape of your choice)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups milk preferably whole milk
- ¼ Zest of Lemon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tbsp salt
- ½ tbsp black pepper
- ½ tbsp paprika
- ½ cup bread crumbs for topping Optional
Instructions
Cooking Method
Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pasta
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, and then add the elbow macaroni. Cook until not fully done, about 6 minutes. You want them a little firmer. Drain the pasta using a colander or strainer.
Roux
- In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. This mixture is called a roux. Cook it for about 1 minute, keeping the whisking constant.
Mik
- Gradually add the milk to the roux while continuously whisking to keep the mixture smooth. Keep cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens, which might take around 5-7 minutes.
Cheese
- Once your milk mixture has thickened, reduce the heat to low, and start adding the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese a handful at a time. Keep stirring until all the cheese has melted into a creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Combine
- Pour the drained pasta into the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
Bake
- Transfer the mac and cheese to your oven-proof casserole dish. If you’re using bread crumbs, sprinkle them evenly over the top. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the sides are bubbling.
Serving
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, optionally, with a dusting of powdered sugar or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Variations: You can experiment with different cheese combinations. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella can add different flavors and textures.
Add-ins: Feel free to mix in cooked proteins like bacon, grilled chicken, or vegetables like steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach.
Bread crumbs: If you like a crunchy topping, bread crumbs are a great addition. Mixing some melted butter with the bread crumbs before sprinkling can give a richer flavor and crispier crust. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Could you reheat in the oven or microwave before serving?
Bread crumbs: If you like a crunchy topping, bread crumbs are a great addition. Mixing some melted butter with the bread crumbs before sprinkling can give a richer flavor and crispier crust. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Could you reheat in the oven or microwave before serving?
Nutrition
Calories: 922kcalCarbohydrates: 125gProtein: 33gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 1425mgPotassium: 572mgFiber: 6gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 1479IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 570mgIron: 6mg