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Best Mac And Cheese

This creamy and cheesy mac and cheese recipe is a comforting favorite, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape of your choice)
Cheese Sauce
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
  • Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish, optional) or chives

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Boil water in a large pot. Add salt and the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce
  1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
  1. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
Bake the Mac and Cheese
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish. If you like, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Serve and Garnish
  1. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.

Notes

For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce. You can also switch up the pasta shape, try different cheese blends, or add ingredients like cooked chicken, lobster, or fall veggies like butternut squash.