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Creamy Better Than the Box Mac and Cheese Easy Homemade Recipe

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A rich, silky, and comforting homemade mac and cheese recipe that outshines boxed versions with a classic roux-based cheese sauce and simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 2 1/4 cups dry pasta)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed slightly
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces), freshly grated
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook 7-8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes without browning.
  3. Slowly pour in warm whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook and stir until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Remove sauce from heat and fold in shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Warm gently over low heat for 1-2 minutes if needed.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  8. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

Warm the milk before adding to the roux to avoid lumps. Cook the roux properly to prevent a grainy sauce. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and texture. Avoid overcooking pasta to keep it firm. Season gradually and taste as you go.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, comfort food, cheddar cheese, roux-based sauce

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/creamy-better-than-the-box-mac-and-cheese-easy-homemade-recipe/