This simple macaroni and cheese recipe offers a quick and easy way to satisfy your cravings for this classic comfort food. Made with just a few basic ingredients, this dish is perfect for a weekday dinner or a last-minute addition to your potluck party.
The key to making a delicious macaroni and cheese lies in the creamy sauce that coats the pasta. This recipe uses a combination of milk, butter, and cheese to create a rich and velvety sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or just want a cozy meal that reminds you of home, this macaroni and cheese recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
The simple macaroni and cheese recipe requires the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of elbow macaroni, which is a common type of pasta used for this dish. The macaroni is cooked according to the package instructions until it is al dente, or cooked but still firm to the bite. It is important not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the cheese sauce.
The cheese sauce is made with shredded cheddar cheese, milk, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. The butter is melted in a saucepan, then the flour is added and cooked for a minute to create a roux. Milk is then slowly added to the roux, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. The shredded cheddar cheese is added to the thickened sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Finally, the cooked macaroni is added to the cheese sauce and everything is mixed together until well coated.
Recipe Steps
To make Simple Macaroni and Cheese, follow these easy steps:
- Boil water in a large pot and cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain the cooked macaroni and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually add the flour, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook the roux for 2-3 minutes, or until it turns a light golden color.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a creamy consistency. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the grated cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat all the noodles evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional: For a crunchy topping, transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs or grated cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy this simple and delicious macaroni and cheese!
These steps will guide you through the process of making a classic and tasty macaroni and cheese dish. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and adjust the seasonings according to your personal taste preferences. Enjoy this comforting and cheesy pasta dish as a main course or as a side dish with your favorite vegetables or salad.
Tips from professional chefs for making Simple Macaroni and Cheese
When it comes to making the perfect Simple Macaroni and Cheese, professional chefs have a few tricks up their sleeves.
- Choose the right cheese: One important tip is to use a combination of cheeses to achieve the best flavor and texture. While cheddar is a classic choice, consider adding in some Gruyere or Monterey Jack for added depth. Experiment with different cheeses to find the combination that you love.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: To avoid ending up with mushy macaroni, be sure to cook the pasta until it is al dente. This will ensure that it holds its shape and has a pleasant texture when mixed with the cheese sauce.
- Add flavor with seasonings: To take your mac and cheese to the next level, don’t forget to season it well. Professional chefs recommend adding a pinch of mustard powder, garlic powder, and paprika to enhance the overall flavor profile. These seasonings will add a subtle complexity to your dish.
By following these tips from professional chefs, you can elevate a simple macaroni and cheese dish into something truly delicious.
Reviews
I recently tried the recipe for Simple Macaroni and Cheese, and I must say it was absolutely delicious! As an avid fan of mac and cheese, I have tried many different variations, but this one is by far the best. The dish was creamy, cheesy, and had the perfect balance of flavors.
The recipe was incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for someone like me who is not the most experienced cook. The instructions were clear and concise, and the ingredients were readily available in my pantry. I appreciated that the recipe used simple, everyday ingredients, yet the end result was so flavorful.
I also loved how versatile this recipe is. I added some cooked bacon and chopped jalapenos to give it a little extra kick, and it turned out amazing. I can imagine adding different ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or even lobster to create different variations of this classic dish.
All in all, I highly recommend trying the Simple Macaroni and Cheese recipe. It is a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. You won’t be disappointed!
This recipe for Simple Macaroni and Cheese is an absolute winner! I have tried many variations of mac and cheese before, but this one definitely stands out. The dish turned out to be creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious.
The best part about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to make. With just a few simple ingredients, I was able to whip up a flavorful meal in no time. The combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese added a nice depth of flavor, and the macaroni cooked perfectly al dente.
The instructions were clear and easy to follow, making the whole cooking process enjoyable. I must say, I was a bit skeptical at first about using evaporated milk, but it turned out to be a great choice. It made the sauce incredibly creamy and rich.
Overall, this Simple Macaroni and Cheese recipe is a winner in my book. It’s the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner. I would highly recommend trying it out if you’re a fan of mac and cheese. You won’t be disappointed!
I tried making the Simple Macaroni and Cheese recipe for the first time and I must say, it turned out amazing! The instructions were clear and easy to follow. The macaroni was perfectly cooked and the cheese sauce was rich and creamy. I loved that this recipe used simple ingredients that I already had in my pantry, making it a convenient option for a quick and delicious meal.
What I appreciated most about this recipe was how versatile it was. I added some cooked bacon and chopped tomatoes to the macaroni and cheese to give it an extra kick of flavor. The combination was absolutely delicious! I also liked that the recipe included options for customizing the dish by adding different types of cheese or spices. It allowed me to get creative and experiment with different flavors.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Simple Macaroni and Cheese recipe. It’s a straightforward and fuss-free recipe that delivers excellent results. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this macaroni and cheese will surely satisfy your cravings. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting and indulgent meal!
