Easy Cheesy Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Easy Cheesy Macaroni and Cheese recipe, a creamy and satisfying dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Featuring tender macaroni pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce made from sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella, this recipe delivers bold cheesy flavor in every bite. A simple roux and a few pantry staples bring this luscious sauce to life in just minutes, making it approachable for cooks of all skill levels. With a prep and cook time of only 30 minutes, this homemade mac and cheese is an irresistible alternative to store-bought options. Garnish with a touch of paprika for added color and a hint of smoky flair, and serve piping hot for a dish everyone will devour. Perfect for comfort food cravings, kid-friendly dinners, or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this recipe is a must-try!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Boil a large pot of water and add 1 teaspoon of salt.
Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. The mixture should turn slightly golden.
Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes or until it thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with 0.5 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
Serve immediately, garnished with a light sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2510 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 134.4 g | 172% | |
| Saturated Fat | 83.2 g | 416% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 428 mg | 143% | |
| Sodium | 4787 mg | 208% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 198.6 g | 72% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.6 g | 27% | |
| Total Sugars | 29.7 g | ||
| Protein | 128.9 g | 258% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 3082 mg | 237% | |
| Iron | 4.0 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 1257 mg | 27% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
