Easy Cheesy Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Easy Cheesy Macaroni and Cheese recipe, a creamy and satisfying dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Featuring tender macaroni pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce made from sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella, this recipe delivers bold cheesy flavor in every bite. A simple roux and a few pantry staples bring this luscious sauce to life in just minutes, making it approachable for cooks of all skill levels. With a prep and cook time of only 30 minutes, this homemade mac and cheese is an irresistible alternative to store-bought options. Garnish with a touch of paprika for added color and a hint of smoky flair, and serve piping hot for a dish everyone will devour. Perfect for comfort food cravings, kid-friendly dinners, or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this recipe is a must-try!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Boil a large pot of water and add 1 teaspoon of salt.
Step 2
Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 3
In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
Step 4
Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. The mixture should turn slightly golden.
Step 5
Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes or until it thickens slightly.
Step 6
Reduce the heat to low and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
Step 7
Season the cheese sauce with 0.5 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 8
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
Step 9
Serve immediately, garnished with a light sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1077.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2509.6 |
| Total Fat 134.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 83.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g | |
| Cholesterol 428.4mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4787.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 198.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 7.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 29.7g | |
| Protein 128.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 214.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 3081.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 4.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1257.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories