Easy Macaroni And Cheese
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Easy Macaroni And Cheese
Description
The recipe starts by boiling elbow macaroni until tender but still firm to the bite. Simultaneously, a roux is formed by melting butter and blending in cream cheese and flour, stirring until smooth. Gradually, milk is incorporated and cooked until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Adding shredded cheddar cheese melts into the warm sauce, creating a luscious, velvety cheese coating for the pasta. Seasoning with salt, black pepper, and optional hot sauce or mustard powder enhances the overall flavor profile.
After draining the pasta, the cheese sauce is folded into the macaroni, resulting in a warm, creamy dish perfect for immediate serving. The texture combines tender pasta with a thick cheesy exterior that clings to each bite.
This macaroni and cheese works well as a comfort food meal or side dish. Cheese variety and brands can influence flavor, and freshly grated cheese tends to melt more smoothly than pre-shredded types. Adjust seasoning or add-ins to taste.
Ingredients
- 1 elbow macaroni 8 ounce box
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 oz cream cheese cut in cubes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, or colby jack
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- black pepper to taste
- hot sauce optional splash of hot sauce or tsp of mustard powder
- mustard powder optional splash of hot sauce or tsp of mustard powder
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in boiling water, stirring occasionally, and cooking according to package directions. I prefer to cook mine al dente and not overcook.
- Meanwhile in a separate pan, melt butter in a medium to large sauce pan over medium heat; stir in cream cheese until well combined. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth, about 5 minutes. Slowly pour milk into pan while stirring until mixture is smooth and starting to gently boil, about 3-5 minutes. Add cheese to mixture and stir until cheese is melted and well combined.
- Pour cheese sauce over drained macaroni and stir gently until cheese sauce is well combined with pasta. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for smoother melting and better flavor.
- Experiment with different cheese types to modify the taste according to preference.
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture when combined with the cheese sauce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 340kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 51mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 422mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 189mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 560IU | 11% |
| Calcium | 226mg | 23% |
| Iron | 0.8mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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