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Mac and Cheese

Course Main Course
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces about 2 cups elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika optional
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs optional, for topping

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

  1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk continuously until the mixture turns golden brown and starts to smell nutty, about 2 minutes.
  3. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
  4. Cook the sauce until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined, ensuring all the pasta is coated with the sauce.

Optional Topping:

  1. If desired, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.

Bake (Optional):

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Serve:

  1. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
  2. Serve hot and enjoy your classic mac and cheese!