Easy Home Made Mac N Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this Easy Homemade Mac N Cheese is the ultimate weeknight staple your family will love. Made with tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce crafted from sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, this recipe balances simplicity and indulgence. A quick roux of butter and flour serves as the base, while milk and half-and-half add luxurious creaminess. Perfectly seasoned with a hint of garlic powder, black pepper, and an optional sprinkle of paprika for color, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you're whipping it up for a cozy dinner, a side dish, or meal-prep leftovers, this classic baked alternative is comfort food at its finest. Ideal for busy evenings or when you’re craving a homemade touch, this mac and cheese is the ultimate solution to cheesy cravings!
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces Elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 1 cup Half and half
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon Paprika (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbling.
Step 3
Gradually whisk in the milk and half and half, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes until it begins to thicken.
Step 4
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5
Season the cheese sauce with salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 6
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
Step 7
Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish and sprinkle paprika on top, if desired.
Step 8
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade mac and cheese!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1334.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3039.5 |
| Total Fat 172.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 108.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g | |
| Cholesterol 541.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5506.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 236.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 9.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 42.0g | |
| Protein 147.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 262.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 3369.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 11.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1393.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories