🧀 Classic Macaroni and Cheese
A creamy, cheesy comfort food favorite—perfect as a side or a main dish. 🥘
🧾 Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 tsp mustard powder (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar is classic)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for baked version)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the pasta
Boil macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the cheese sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until slightly thickened (~5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
3️⃣ Combine
Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
4️⃣ Optional: Bake for a golden top
- Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
- Pour macaroni and cheese into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
- Bake 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
🍽️ Serving Tips
- Add cooked bacon, ham, or sautéed vegetables for variation.
- Top with a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
- Serve alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
💡 Tip: For extra creamy mac & cheese, stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese into the sauce.
If you want, I can also show you:
- 🧄 Garlic herb mac & cheese
- 🔥 Spicy jalapeño mac & cheese
- 🥓 Bacon mac & cheese casserole.
