Mac and cheese is a classic comfort dish that brings smiles with its creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta. It’s cheesy, warm, and perfect for any day!
Honestly, who can resist a big bowl of this cheesy goodness? I love to top mine with breadcrumbs for a little crunch. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! 🧀❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This pasta shape is traditional for mac and cheese! If you want to mix things up, try cavatappi or even shell pasta. They hold the cheese sauce nicely!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is great for its bold flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, go for medium cheddar. You can also mix in mozzarella for extra stretchiness.
Gruyère Cheese: While optional, Gruyère adds a lovely creaminess. Can’t find it? Use Swiss cheese or an equal amount of another melty cheese. Even a bit of cream cheese can boost richness!
Milk: Whole milk makes the sauce nice and creamy, but you can substitute with 2% milk or a non-dairy milk like cashew or oat milk. Just make sure they are unsweetened!
How Do I Make a Creamy Cheese Sauce?
The cheese sauce is the heart of this mac and cheese! Making it creamy is all about blending the right ingredients smoothly. Here’s how to nail this step:
- Start with a roux: After melting the butter, whisk in flour and cook for a couple of minutes. This gives the sauce its thickness.
- Pour in warmed milk slowly. This prevents lumps from forming and makes it easier to whisk until smooth.
- Keep stirring until it thickens. Look for a bubbling consistency as you whisk! This ensures a creamy result.
- Add cheese off the heat. If you add cheese while the sauce is too hot, it can clump together. Stir until it melts completely.
These steps help create that comforting, velvety texture we all love in mac and cheese!
How to Make Mac and Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or thyme (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Making mac and cheese will take about 30 minutes. You’ll spend 10 minutes preparing the pasta and about 20 minutes making the creamy cheese sauce and combining everything. Perfect for a quick and cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente, which is usually about 7-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.
2. Make the Roux:
In the same pot that you used for the pasta, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s completely melted, whisk in the flour. Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux and to eliminate the raw flour taste.
3. Create the Cheese Sauce:
Now, it’s time to make the cheese sauce! Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble gently. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Lower your heat after this step.
4. Add the Cheeses:
Once the sauce has thickened, lower the heat more and add the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheese. Stir the mixture until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Season the Sauce:
Now, season your cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste. If you like it a bit cheesier, add more shredded cheese at this point!
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked macaroni back into the cheese sauce. Stir gently until all the pasta is evenly coated and soaked in that delicious, creamy sauce.
7. Serve It Up:
Dish out your homemade mac and cheese while it’s hot! For a touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley or thyme on top if you’d like. Enjoy every cheesy bite of this comforting dish!
There you have it! Enjoy your rich and creamy homemade mac and cheese! 🍽️🧀
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your gluten-free pasta, as they can vary. The cheese sauce will work just as well with gluten-free pasta!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheese sauce and cook the pasta in advance. Keep them separate in the fridge and combine when you’re ready to eat. Just add some more cheese and warm through before serving!
Is There a Vegan Option for This Recipe?
Definitely! Substitute the milk with unsweetened plant-based milk, use vegan butter, and opt for vegan cheese or a blend of nutritional yeast and cashew cream to create a creamy sauce without dairy!
