Easy Macaroni and Cheese
Get ready to elevate comfort food to a whole new level with this Easy Macaroni and Cheese recipe! Ready in just 30 minutes, this creamy dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from a blend of sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella. A simple roux of butter and flour creates the perfect base for the silky sauce, while a touch of paprika adds a pop of color and flavor for an optional garnish. With minimal prep and accessible ingredients, this quick homemade macaroni and cheese is ideal for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing side dish. Perfectly cheesy, irresistibly creamy, and wonderfully satisfying—this easy recipe will become your go-to whenever the craving for comfort hits!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. The roux should be smooth and slightly golden.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 3-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until all the pasta is coated evenly.
Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2705 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 139.6 g | 179% | |
| Saturated Fat | 84.3 g | 422% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 447 mg | 149% | |
| Sodium | 3733 mg | 162% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 221.0 g | 80% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.1 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.8 g | ||
| Protein | 135.0 g | 270% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.5 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 3033 mg | 233% | |
| Iron | 9.2 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 775 mg | 16% | |
*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.
