Classic Creamy Mac and Cheese
Classic Creamy Mac and Cheese is a comforting and indulgent dish that brings together tender elbow macaroni and a rich, velvety cheese sauce. This beloved favorite is perfect for cozy nights or as a delightful side dish. With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, it’s a meal that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Qualities:
- Rich and creamy texture
- Cheesy flavor from a blend of cheddar and Parmesan
- Satisfying and filling
- Easy to prepare, making it perfect for novice cooks
Preparation Time:
60 min
Difficulty:
Novice
Ingredients:
- 200g of elbow macaroni
- 50g of unsalted butter
- 50g of all-purpose flour
- 500ml of whole milk
- 200g of cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 50g of Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp of paprika
Kitchen Tools Needed:
- Pot
- Colander
- Baking dish
- Stirring spoon
- Oven
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Drain the cooked macaroni and return it to the pot. Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir until well-coated.
- Transfer the pasta and cheese mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle some extra cheese on top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Macros:
- Total Calories: 630kcal
- Carbs: 68g
- Proteins: 22g
- Fats: 32g
Ingredients and Tools for Purchase:
Ingredients:
- Elbow macaroni: The main base of the dish.
- Unsalted butter: For creating a rich cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour: To thicken the cheese sauce.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce.
- Cheddar cheese (shredded): Provides the classic cheesy flavor.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds depth and nuttiness to the sauce.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Pepper: For a bit of spice.
- Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and color.
Kitchen Tools:
- Pot: For boiling macaroni and making the cheese sauce.
- Colander: To drain the macaroni once cooked.
- Baking dish: For the final baking of the mac and cheese.
- Stirring spoon: For mixing and stirring ingredients.
- Oven: To bake the dish until golden and bubbly.