Is there anything better than creamy macaroni and cheese? It’s the ultimate comfort food and the ideal meal to combat the cool weather. Instead of opening up a box, check out this Homemade Mac-N-Cheese recipe. It tastes just like grandma used to make, and it only takes 15 minutes to prep and another 15 minutes to bake. It’s hard to believe that something so simple can be so delicious, but this recipe delivers on all fronts.
Ingredients for Mac-N-Cheese
You only need eight ingredients to whip up some homemade mac-n-cheese. Head to the grocery store or raid your pantry for:
- 1/2 pound of elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cup of milk
- 3/4 cup of half-and-half
- 2 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
When it comes to buying cheese, consider going with high-quality aged cheddar. It’s smoother and has a stronger flavor profile when compared to inexpensive cheeses. The extra cost pays off in dividends when making this recipe.
Preparing to Make Mac-N-Cheese
Once you get your ingredients, turn your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Then take out a square baking dish, lightly grease it, and put it off to the side for now.
Preparing the Ingredients
Next, grab the box of macaroni and read the instructions. Then put it on the stove and cook it until it’s al dente. After it finishes, drain the macaroni and set it off the side for now.
Next, put a medium saucepan on a burner and turn the heat to medium. Place the butter in the saucepan and melt it before adding the pepper, salt, and flour. Then cook the mixture for another two minutes.
After the two minutes are up, add the half-and-half and milk, but don’t pour it all in at once. Slowly add these ingredients, stirring throughout. Keep an eye on the mixture, and when it starts to thicken, take the saucepan off the heat. Then add a cup of shredded cheese, and stir the mixture until it melts.
Putting the Ingredients Together
Now, it’s time to put it all together. First, toss the noodles in the cheesy mixture, making sure they’re fully coated. Then transfer half of the mixture into your baking dish. Follow that up by adding a half cup of cheese to the top and then putting the rest of the pasta. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top of the mixture.
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Cooking Mac-N-Cheese
You have one more step before you can dig into this delicious, cheesy dish. Just pop it in the oven and bake it for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted.
If you think this recipe sounds good, wait until you take your first bite. It’s even better than it looks on paper, so whip it up today.
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