The Best Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe; Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with my creamy and delicious homemade mac and cheese recipe. Made with gooey cheese and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create the best mac and cheese you've ever tasted!
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Hi beauties!! Are you ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food? Look no further than this delicious and creamy homemade mac and cheese recipe. With its gooey cheese, perfectly cooked pasta, and irresistible flavors, this mac and cheese will have you coming back for seconds.
There's something truly magical about the combination of gooey cheese, perfectly cooked pasta, and the rich flavors that come together in this classic dish. Whether you're looking to indulge in a cozy meal or impress your friends and family at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Get ready to dive into a bowl of creamy deliciousness that will leave you craving for more. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure as we guide you through the steps to create the mac and cheese of your dreams. Let's get cooking!
How to Make The Best Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe
If you've ever craved a bowl of gooey, cheesy goodness that takes you back to simpler times, this is the recipe for you. No more settling for boxed mac and cheese - we're talking about a velvety, decadent dish that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're a mac and cheese aficionado or a newbie looking to wow your loved ones, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and elevate your culinary game. So, grab a seat, get your apron on, and prepare to indulge in the ultimate mac and cheese experience. Let's dive into the world of homemade comfort and create a masterpiece that will make you a mac and cheese hero!
Ingredients:
2 cups elbow macaroni
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the flour and butter are well combined and bubbling.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir gently until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until every noodle is coated with the cheesy goodness.
- Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Serve this homemade mac and cheese as a main course or as a side dish. It pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables. Gather your loved ones, dive into a bowl of creamy goodness, and savor every bite! Note: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheeses or add some crispy breadcrumbs on top for an extra crunch. Enjoy!
Tips for making The Best Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Cheese Selection: Opt for a combination of cheeses to enhance flavor and texture. Cheddar, Gruyere, or a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and Monterey Jack work well. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
- Be Generous with Cheese: Don't shy away from adding an extra bit of cheese. The more, the merrier! This will give your mac and cheese an extra creamy and indulgent taste.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook your pasta until it is perfectly al dente. This helps prevent it from becoming mushy when baked with the cheese sauce. Follow the package instructions for cooking time but check the pasta a minute or two before it's done to avoid overcooking.
- Creaminess is Key: Make sure your cheese sauce is smooth and creamy. To achieve this, melt the cheese slowly over low heat, stirring constantly. This ensures a velvety texture without any graininess.
- Add Seasoning: Enhance the flavor of your mac and cheese by adding seasonings such as mustard powder, paprika, garlic powder, or even a dash of hot sauce. These spices can spice up the flavor profile and make your mac and cheese even more delicious.
- Breadcrumb Topping: Top your mac and cheese with breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle it on top before baking. This creates a golden and crispy texture.
- Let it Rest: Allow your mac and cheese to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
- Customize and Experiment: Feel free to personalize your mac and cheese recipe by adding cooked bacon, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or any other ingredients you love. Get creative and have fun with your own unique twist on the classic recipe.
And there you have it - my guide to crafting the best homemade mac and cheese recipe! I hope you've found these tips helpful and can't wait for you to try them out yourself. Remember, the key is to choose high-quality ingredients, be generous with the cheese, and let your creativity fly. Whether you're making this for a cozy night in or a dinner party with friends, this mac and cheese will not disappoint. So, gather your ingredients, turn up the heat, and prepare a comfort food masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.
If you have any questions about this recipe, leave it in the comment section below and I'll make sure to get back to you on it! If you make any of my recipes please tag your photos with #nikkisplate so I can see your beautiful creations! Any feedback in the comments below is greatly appreciated. I hope you have fun!
Share this delicious recipe with the rest of the Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook world! Also, make sure to follow my account to see when I post new recipes or home-inspired content at Nikki's Plate.
Until next time,
More Comfort Food Recipes:
- DAIRY FREE TATER TOT CASSEROLE
- EASY CHEESY CORNBREAD CASSEROLE RECIPE
- CHEESY BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP RECIPE
- THAI PUMPKIN AND CARROT SOUP RECIPE
THE BEST HOMEMADE MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE
My homemade mac and cheese recipe is a timeless classic that brings warmth and nostalgia to your plate. It starts with perfectly cooked al dente pasta, which is then coated in a luscious cheese sauce made from a combination of cheddar, parmesan, or your preferred blend of cheeses. The sauce is seasoned with mustard powder, paprika, garlic powder, and other spices to elevate its flavor profile.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Servings 4 people
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 5 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the flour and butter are well combined and bubbling.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir gently until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until every noodle is coated with the cheesy goodness.
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Keyword homemade bars, mac and cheese
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