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Ultimate Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ultimate Mac and Cheese Recipe: Comfort Food Done Right

Discover the Ultimate Mac and Cheese Recipe, a creamy and customizable dish that brings comfort with every bite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni or whole grain pasta
For the Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
  • 3 tablespoons flour or gluten-free flour
  • 2 cups milk or unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or other cheeses like Gouda or Gruyère
For the Topping
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
Optional Add-ins
  • 1 cup bacon cooked and crumbled
  • vegetables such as steamed broccoli or spinach
  • spices cayenne or jalapeños to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • baking dish

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and cook for about 5 minutes until thickened.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  5. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until fully coated.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
  8. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  9. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or extra cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For a unique flavor, experiment with different cheese combinations and add-ins.

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