Macaroni and cheese

Here’s a classic creamy Macaroni and Cheese—rich, smooth, and totally comforting 🧀🍝

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Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (warm)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
   • Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente.
   • Drain and set aside.
2. Make the cheese sauce
   • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
   • Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
   • Slowly whisk in warm milk until smooth and thick.
   • Lower heat and stir in cheese until melted.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Combine
   • Stir cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until coated.
4. Serve
   • Enjoy as-is for stovetop mac and cheese.

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Baked Option

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
3. Top with extra cheese or buttered breadcrumbs.
4. Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly.

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Variations

• Extra creamy: Add ¼ cup cream cheese
• Three-cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan
• Southern-style: Add egg + evaporated milk
• Add-ins: Bacon, ham, broccoli, jalapeños

If you want, I can also share a southern baked version, one-pot mac, or a kid-friendly quick recipe 😊