Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe
User Reviews
4.1
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4 about 1.25 cups each
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Calories
612 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe
Description
This Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe starts by boiling macaroni until tender, then draining it. Meanwhile, a roux of butter, flour, and onion powder is cooked to thicken, followed by whisking in milk to create a creamy base with the texture of heavy cream. Seasoned with salt and a small amount of hot sauce, the sauce gains a mild tang without heat. Sharp cheddar cheese is incrementally melted into the sauce, ensuring a smooth, cohesive cheese sauce that envelops the macaroni.
The final dish offers a creamy, cheesy texture with a hint of savory complexity from the hot sauce. The method focuses on controlled heat to avoid breaking the sauce, producing a rich, smooth result that is comforting and straightforward.
The hot sauce can be swapped for Dijon mustard for a similar flavor effect. The recipe yields a classic mac and cheese that balances creamy texture with sharp cheddar flavor and subtle seasoning nuances.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. macaroni $0.49
- 3 Tbsp butter $0.39
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour $0.06
- 1/2 tsp onion powder $0.03
- 2 cups milk $0.36, whole
- 1/2 tsp hot sauce $0.02
- 1/2 tsp salt $0.01
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese $2.24, block, shredded
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions (boil for 7-8 minutes, or until tender). Drain the macaroni in a colander.
- Place the butter, flour, and onion powder in a medium pot. Whisk and heat over medium until the butter is melted and the mixture begins to bubble. Once bubbling, continue to whisk and cook for one minute.
- After cooking the butter and flour roux, whisk in the milk. Continue to cook and whisk over medium heat until the milk begins to gently simmer, at which point it will thicken to the consistency of heavy cream or gravy.
- Turn the burner off. Season the white sauce with the salt and hot sauce.
- Begin to add the shredded cheddar, one handful at a time, whisking it in until completely melted before adding more. Continue until all of the cheese has been melted into the sauce. If the sauce becomes too cold to melt the cheese, place it back over low heat only briefly to continue melting the cheese. Overheating the sauce can cause it to break and become grainy.
- Add the cooked and drained pasta to the pot with the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Serve hot and enjoy!
Baked Mac and Cheese
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF
- After combining the drained pasta and cheese sauce, transfer it to a casserole dish.
- Top with more shredded cheese, then bake for 15 minutes.
- To achieve a golden brown crispy cheese crust, turn on the oven's broiler for just a few short minutes, watching it closely to prevent burning.
Notes
- The hot sauce adds brightness without spicing the dish; Dijon mustard can be used as an alternative.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4about 1.25 cups each
Amount Per Serving
Calories 612 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 612kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 54g | 18% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 33g | 51% |
| Sodium | 792mg | 33% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.1
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