Description
Comfort meets classic with this good old fashion mac and cheese, bringing nostalgic cheesy goodness straight from grandma’s kitchen. Creamy, melted cheese envelops perfectly cooked pasta, promising a soul-warming meal that connects generations through simple, delicious ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni or pasta of your choice
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk (warm)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Topping Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a substantial cooking vessel, ensuring ample space for pasta movement.
- Submerge the pasta into the vigorously boiling liquid, following manufacturer’s recommended cooking duration until achieving a perfectly tender yet firm texture.
- Carefully extract pasta from boiling water using a colander, allowing complete drainage and preventing residual moisture.
- Transfer the pasta to a separate spacious mixing bowl, positioning it for subsequent cheese integration.
Notes
- Opt for elbow macaroni or shell pasta for the most authentic mac and cheese texture, as their curves help hold the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Select high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust flavor, blending it with a mild cheese like Monterey Jack for balanced creaminess.
- Avoid overcooking pasta to prevent a mushy final dish; aim for al dente consistency to maintain a slight bite and prevent the pasta from absorbing too much sauce.
- Create a richer sauce by using whole milk or even adding a splash of heavy cream for extra indulgence and silky smoothness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg