There’s something comforting about a bowl of creamy, homemade macaroni and cheese. This classic dish is a favorite for both kids and adults, and it’s surprisingly easy to make from scratch. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a rich and velvety mac and cheese that’s sure to become a household staple. With a handful of simple ingredients and a touch of creativity, you can make this dish your own. Let’s get started!
| Ingredient | Amount | AP Cost | Recipe Cost |
| Elbow Macaroni | 8 oz, about 2 cups | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| Unsalted Butter | 1/4 cup | $3.00 | $0.50 |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/4 cup | $3.50 | $0.10 |
| Whole Milk | 2 cups | $2.75 | $0.75 |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups, shredded | $2.50 | $2.50 |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup | $3.15 | $0.75 |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp. | $1.58 | $0.05 |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 tsp. | $2.00 | $0.05 |
| Paprika (optional) | 1/4 tsp. | $2.20 | $0.05 |
| Total | $5.75 | ||
| Cost per serving | $1.44 |
Instructions:
1. Cook the Macaroni:
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes, until it forms a smooth, golden roux.
3. Add Milk:
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. It should be smooth and creamy.
4. Melt the Cheese:
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Season the Sauce:
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Combine with Macaroni:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir until the macaroni is well coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
7. Serve:
- Serve your homemade macaroni and cheese hot. You can optionally sprinkle a bit of extra shredded cheese on top & bake for 1-2 minutes for a cheesy crust.
8. Optional Add-Ins:
- For extra flavor and variety, you can add cooked bacon bits, sautéed onions, diced tomatoes, or chopped spinach.
Homemade macaroni and cheese is a timeless comfort food that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With a creamy cheese sauce that clings to every macaroni noodle, this dish is perfect as a side or a main course. Feel free to get creative with your add-ins and make it your own. Whether you enjoy it plain or loaded with extras, this mac and cheese recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
Creamy Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
Description
This Creamy Homemade Macaroni and Cheese is comfort food at its finest. Enjoy this classic dish with your favorite side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes, until it forms a smooth, golden roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. It should be smooth and creamy.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir until the macaroni is well coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Serve your homemade macaroni and cheese hot. You can optionally sprinkle a bit of extra shredded cheese on top & bake for 1-2 minutes for a cheesy crust.
- For extra flavor and variety, you can add cooked bacon bits, sautéed onions, diced tomatoes, or chopped spinach.
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