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Creamy Mac and Cheese from Scratch

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A quick and easy homemade mac and cheese recipe featuring a silky smooth cheese sauce with sharp cheddar and Parmesan, perfect for cozy dinners and comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni or any small pasta shape (whole wheat or gluten-free options work well)
  • 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk (can substitute 2% or plant-based milk like oat or almond, unsweetened)
  • 3 cups (340 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Breadcrumb Topping (optional): 1/2 cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter over medium heat. Once shimmering, whisk in 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour. Keep whisking for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, forming a paste.
  3. Slowly pour in 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened and creamy.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Remove from heat and fold in 3 cups (340 g) shredded sharp cheddar and 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan. Mix until smooth and melty.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat every piece.
  7. If desired, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Toss 1/2 cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top.
  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until the topping is golden and crunchy.
  9. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to thicken slightly and cool down just enough to enjoy safely.

Notes

Whisk constantly when making the roux and adding milk to prevent lumps. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting. Slightly undercook pasta as it will cook more in the sauce or oven. Adjust seasoning after adding cheese to avoid over-salting. Baking with breadcrumb topping adds a crunchy texture contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/creamy-mac-and-cheese-from-scratch-easy-recipe-for-ultimate-comfort/