Simple Mac Cheese
Indulge in the creamy, nostalgic comfort of Simple Mac & Cheese, a quick and easy homemade classic that's perfect for weeknight dinners or satisfying cravings. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety cheese sauce made from real shredded cheddar, ensuring bold, cheesy flavor in every bite. With just a few pantry staples like unsalted butter, flour, milk, and a touch of optional ground mustard for a hint of tang, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes and is an effortless upgrade from the boxed version. Serve it as a hearty main or a delectable side dish—either way, this Simple Mac & Cheese is guaranteed to become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Whole milk
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons Ground mustard (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 over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Gradually whisk in the milk, about 1/4 cup at a time, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Continue whisking until all the milk is incorporated and the sauce begins to thicken, about 4-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Add the salt, black pepper, and ground mustard (if using), and stir well.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently stir to coat the pasta evenly.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional shredded cheese or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2235 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 116.2 g | 149% | |
| Saturated Fat | 71.5 g | 358% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 363 mg | 121% | |
| Sodium | 2823 mg | 123% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 196.3 g | 71% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.8 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.7 g | ||
| Protein | 103.0 g | 206% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 2227 mg | 171% | |
| Iron | 8.1 mg | 45% | |
| Potassium | 766 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.
