Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this 'Souper Easy Macaroni and Cheese' recipe—a creamy, cheesy delight that comes together in just 20 minutes! Featuring tender elbow macaroni smothered in a rich cheddar cheese sauce made from scratch, this quick and easy dish is ideal for busy weeknights or satisfying cravings in a pinch. A simple roux of butter, flour, and milk lays the foundation for the velvety sauce, elevated with a hint of paprika for added warmth and flavor. With minimal prep and a handful of pantry staples, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality mac and cheese that’s irresistibly creamy and perfect for all ages. Serve it as a comforting main course or a savory side dish, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika or extra cheese for the perfect finishing touch.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Gradually pour the whole milk into the roux, whisking continuously to remove any lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, until fully melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, ground black pepper, and paprika. Adjust the seasoning to taste if necessary.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through.
Serve immediately. Garnish with a pinch of paprika or extra shredded cheese, if desired.
Calories |
2234 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 116.0 g | 149% | |
| Saturated Fat | 71.5 g | 358% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 363 mg | 121% | |
| Sodium | 4003 mg | 174% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 196.7 g | 72% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.0 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.7 g | ||
| Protein | 103.0 g | 206% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 2229 mg | 171% | |
| Iron | 8.3 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 782 mg | 17% | |
*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.