Easy Mac & Cheese Recipe
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This creamy homemade baked mac & cheese recipe is so delicious and a family favorite. Loaded with sharp cheddar cheese and a crusty texture topping makes a perfect side dish to compliment any meal.
Are you looking for a quick and easy comfort food fix? Look no further than this Easy Mac & Cheese Recipe! With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a deliciously creamy and satisfying mac and cheese that the whole family will love. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing holiday side dish, this recipe will become a staple in your meal rotation. So grab your apron and get ready to indulge in some seriously delicious comfort food!
This recipe for Mac & Cheese is delicious & easy to make!
Here’s a simple recipe for Easy Baked Mac & Cheese that is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- One teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded or pre-shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
- Slowly pour in the milk while constantly whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture and stir well.
- Gradually add the sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese, constantly stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce smooths.
- Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Pour the Mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the top of the Mac and cheese. (optional)
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the baked macaroni & cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Then, enjoy your easy and delicious homemade baked Mac & cheese!
How to make Mac & Cheese on the stovetop
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make Mac and cheese on the stovetop, you can use the same ingredients as the baked version.
To make stovetop mac and cheese, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions and set aside. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously until smooth. Slowly pour in the milk while constantly whisking to avoid lumps. Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture and stir well. Gradually add the sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese, constantly stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce smooths. Next, add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Cook for a few more minutes, occasionally stirring until the Mac and cheese are heated and creamy. Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious stovetop mac and cheese!
How do you keep Mac and cheese creamy?
There are several tips you can follow to keep your Mac and cheese creamy:
- First, don’t overcook the pasta. Cook the pasta al dente until it’s cooked but still slightly firm. If you overcook the pasta, it will absorb more cheese sauce and become mushy.
- Use a combination of cheeses. A blend of cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan, and Gouda, can give your Mac and cheese a more complex and creamy flavor.
- Add liquid. If your Mac and cheese are too thick, add a little milk or heavy cream to thin out the sauce and make it creamier.
- Stir often. Stirring the pasta and cheese sauce frequently while cooking can help ensure the cheese is evenly distributed, and the sauce stays creamy.
- Serve immediately. Mac and cheese are best when served hot and fresh from the oven. As it cools, the cheese sauce can become thicker and less creamy.
- Use enough sauce. Make sure you use enough cheese sauce to coat all the pasta. If you don’t use enough sauce, the Mac and cheese will be dry and not creamy.
Why Does My Baked Mac and Cheese Come Out Dry?
If your baked Mac and cheese comes out dry, it is likely due to the ratio of cheese sauce to elbow pasta. To ensure that your Mac and cheese is creamy and not dry, use the correct amount of cheese sauce for your noodles. Also, cover the dish with foil while baking to prevent the cheese from drying out. Finally, after baking, let the Mac and cheese sit for a few minutes before serving it to thicken and set up. With these tips, you can ensure that your next batch of homemade Mac and cheese is creamy and delicious!
Is it necessary to Cover Mac and Cheese While Baking?
If you want the top of your Mac and cheese to brown while baking, it is best to cover the dish with foil for the first half of the baking time. This will help lock in the moisture and prevent the cheese from drying. After the first half of the baking time, you can remove the foil and allow the top to brown. This will create a delicious, crunchy top that will be the perfect finishing touch to your homemade Mac and cheese.
Cheese Combinations for Mac n Cheese
If you’re looking to mix up your macaroni and cheese routine, there are plenty of ways to customize it with different types of cheese.
- Monterey jack
- White cheddar
- Pepper jack cheese
Add a kick to your Mac & cheese.
Experiment with different combinations of spices and flavorings to create your perfect macaroni and cheese.
- Cayenne Pepper
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Chili Powder
- Diced jalapenos
- Hot sauce
What is best paired with Mac & Cheese?
Macaroni and cheese are one of those classic comfort food dishes that pair well with a variety of side dishes.
- Roasted Chicken
- Steak
- Meatloaf
- Honey glazed Carrots
- Steamed Vegetables
How to store leftovers?
If you have any leftover macaroni and cheese, it’s best to store it in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the macaroni and cheese in a saucepan over medium-low heat and stir until hot. Alternatively, you can put it in a microwave-safe dish and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals.
EASY MAC & CHEESE RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- One teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded or pre-shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
- Slowly pour in the milk while constantly whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture and stir well.
- Gradually add the sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese, constantly stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce smooths.
- Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Pour the Mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the top of the Mac and cheese. (optional)
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the baked macaroni & cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Then, enjoy your easy and delicious homemade baked Mac & cheese!
Notes
Stovetop Directions
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make Mac and cheese on the stovetop, you can use the same ingredients as the baked version.
To make stovetop mac and cheese, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions and set aside. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously until smooth. Slowly pour in the milk while constantly whisking to avoid lumps. Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture and stir well. Gradually add the sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese, constantly stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce smooths. Next, add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Cook for a few more minutes, occasionally stirring until the Mac and cheese are heated and creamy. Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious stovetop mac and cheese!
Nutrition Information
Yield 12 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 262Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 41mgSodium 298mgCarbohydrates 21gFiber 1gSugar 4gProtein 11g
Calculated Nutrition is an estimate.
In conclusion
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food loved by all ages. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, there’s something comforting about a bowl of creamy, cheesy macaroni. Making delicious homemade Mac & cheese is easier than you think! With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a delicious, comforting dish that’s sure to be a hit at any dinner table. So the next time you’re in the mood for comfort food, try making homemade macaroni and cheese, and enjoy the delicious results!
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I love that there’s no junk in this recipe – just wholesome ingredients!
Yes, I wouldn’t have it any other way! 🙂