Easy Mac and Cheese
Creamy, comforting, and ready in just 30 minutes, this Easy Mac and Cheese recipe is the ultimate homemade alternative to boxed pasta. Featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a velvety cheddar cheese sauce, this dish strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence. The rich base is created with a classic roux of butter and flour, thickened with milk, and enhanced with a touch of optional paprika for added depth and color. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or a cozy side dish, this recipe uses pantry staples and requires minimal effort for maximum flavor. With its smooth, cheesy goodness and customizable seasoning, this mac and cheese will quickly become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons paprika (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. The mixture should be smooth and bubbly.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until fully melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and optional paprika, stirring to combine.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
Remove from heat and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of additional cheddar cheese or paprika before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
595 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.8 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.0 g | 100% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 96 mg | 32% | |
| Sodium | 659 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 54.6 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.1 g | ||
| Protein | 25.8 g | 52% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.7 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 556 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 236 mg | 5% | |
*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.
