This ultimate favorite mac and cheese recipe is such a hit, that it might just become your new go-to! The key to this dish is in the cheese quality – be sure to use a good sharp cheddar for best results. Check out our tips below for ensuring your dish turns out fantastically cheesy every time.
Choosing The Ideal Pasta For Mac And Cheese Recipe
When it comes to macaroni and cheese, elbow noodles are the way to go. Their ridged shape allows them to hold onto sauce nicely, and they’re the perfect size for scooping up into a forkful of cheesy deliciousness.
If you can’t find elbow noodles, you can also use shells or bowties – both will work well in this dish.
The Best Cheese For Mac And Cheese Recipe
For the best flavor and creaminess, you’ll want to use sharp cheddar cheese in this recipe. We also like to add in a little bit of Gruyere for extra depth of flavor – it’s truly heavenly.
If you can’t find Gruyere, you can also use Parmesan, Asiago, or even Pecorino Romano.
Making The Mac And Cheese Recipe
The key to a good mac and cheese recipe is in the roux – a mixture of flour and butter used to thicken the sauce. You’ll want to cook the roux until it is a light golden color, which will take about 5 minutes.
Once the roux is ready, you’ll add the milk and bring it to a simmer. Be sure to whisk continually so that the sauce doesn’t burn or stick to the pot.
After the milk has come to a simmer, you’ll add in the cheese a little at a time, whisking until it is fully incorporated. Once all of the cheese has been added, you can add in the salt and pepper to taste.
Finally, you’ll add the cooked noodles and stir until they are fully coated in the sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips For The Best Mac And Cheese Recipe
- Be sure to use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
- Cook the roux until it is a light golden color – this will take about 5 minutes.
- Add the cheese a little at a time, whisking until it is fully incorporated.
- Once all of the cheese has been added, you can add in the salt and pepper to taste.
Mac And Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow noodles
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F or 175°C.
- Cook noodles according to package instructions.
- Meanwhile, in a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook for about 5 minutes, until light golden brown.
- Whisk in milk and continue cooking until the mixture comes to a simmer.
- Gradually add in cheese, whisking until fully melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked noodles to the pot and stir until evenly coated in sauce.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly.
- Serve immediately.
Enjoy!
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a green salad and garlic bread.Storing Suggestions
Mac and cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven until hot and bubbly.Nutrition
FAQs Related To Mac And Cheese Recipe
What Is The Best Pasta For Mac And Cheese?
Elbow noodles are the best pasta for mac and cheese because their ridged shape allows them to hold onto sauce nicely, and they’re the perfect size for scooping up into a forkful of cheesy deliciousness. If you can’t find elbow noodles, you can also use shells or bowties.
How Do You Make Mac And Cheese Creamy?
The key to creamy mac and cheese is in the roux – a mixture of flour and butter used to thicken the sauce. You’ll want to cook the roux until it is a light golden color, which will take about 5 minutes. Once the roux is ready, you’ll add the milk and bring it to a simmer. Be sure to whisk continually so that the sauce doesn’t burn or stick to the pot.
Can You Make Mac And Cheese Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make mac and cheese ahead of time. Simply cook the noodles and prepare the sauce according to the recipe instructions. Then, transfer the noodles and sauce to a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, bake the mac and cheese in a 350-degree oven until it is hot and bubbly.
How Long Does Mac And Cheese Last In The Fridge?
Mac and cheese will last in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be sure to store it in a baking dish, covered, to not dry out. When you’re ready to eat, bake the mac and cheese in a 350-degree oven until it is hot and bubbly.
Wrap Up
This is the best mac and cheese recipe that you will ever try. Try out this recipe to make someone’s day. This dish is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. So what are you waiting for? Try this recipe now and enjoy!