Description
A classic creamy mac and cheese recipe with sharp cheddar for rich flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth.
- Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Combine sauce with cooked macaroni and serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting.
- Adjust milk for thinner or thicker sauce.
- Add a pinch of mustard powder for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, cheddar macaroni, creamy pasta, homemade mac and cheese