No-Recipe Macaroni and Cheese
User Reviews
5
No-Recipe Macaroni and Cheese
Description
This macaroni and cheese starts by cooking elbow macaroni just shy of al dente to maintain firmness in the finished dish. A roux is made by melting butter and stirring in flour briefly without browning. Milk is gradually whisked in and cooked until thickened but not boiled.
Sharp cheddar cheese is then sprinkled in slowly while stirring until fully melted, forming a smooth and creamy sauce. Seasoning with fresh cracked salt and black pepper adjusts the flavor to taste. Cooked macaroni is folded into this cheese sauce and served right away to preserve texture and warmth.
The method is straightforward and flexible, relying on technique rather than specific measurements, and can be spooned into dishes or served as is.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk whole
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, sharp
- salt fresh cracked
- black pepper fresh cracked
Instructions
- Cook the pasta to just al dente in plenty of boiling salted water, and drain. Note: I always cook the pasta a minute or two less than package instructions because I want to maintain a firm texture in the finished mac and cheese dish.
- Melt the butter over medium heat in a heavy bottomed pot large enough to hold the batch of mac and cheese. Add the flour and stir for just a minute or so. Don't let it brown.
- Slowly pour in the milk, while whisking or stirring constantly. I switch from my whisk to a silicone 'spoonula' to make sure I'm getting the mixture smooth and lump free. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it is thickened. This will be just about the point when it begins to come to a simmer. Don't let it come to a boil. Take the pan off the heat.
- Slowly sprinkle in the cheese while stirring, until it melts completely. Season with salt and plenty of fresh pepper to your taste. Fold in the macaroni and serve asap.
- As an alternative you can spoon the mac and cheese into a buttered baking dish and bake at 325F for 15 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 627 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 627kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 62g | 21% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 30g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 86mg | 29% |
| Sodium | 1047mg | 44% |
| Potassium | 388mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 939IU | 19% |
| Calcium | 567mg | 57% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
