Quick and Easy Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Quick and Easy Macaroni and Cheese, a creamy, cheesy dish that's ready in just 25 minutes! Perfect for weeknight dinners or satisfying cravings, this recipe uses a velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan, combined with perfectly cooked macaroni pasta. A simple roux of butter and flour creates the base for the sauce, while whole milk adds richness and a hint of tangy ground mustard elevates the flavor profile. With minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, this one-pot masterpiece delivers hearty, homemade goodness with every bite. Serve it as a standalone meal or pair it with a crisp side salad for a complete dining experience. Ideal for busy families and beginner cooks, this mac and cheese is your new go-to for quick, crowd-pleasing comfort food.
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces macaroni pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons ground mustard (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. The mixture should turn slightly golden but not brown.
Step 3
Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Increase the heat slightly and cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Step 5
Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and ground mustard (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Step 6
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
Step 7
Serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of parsley for presentation.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1025.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2442.8 |
| Total Fat 127.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 79.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g | |
| Cholesterol 400.6mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3503.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 213.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 7.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 30.1g | |
| Protein 119.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 262.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2693.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 5.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1511.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories