A classic American macaroni and cheese recipe that combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups milk
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon paprika for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly, to form a roux. Cook for about 2 minutes until it’s lightly golden.
- Gradually add the milk, continuing to whisk to ensure a smooth mixture. Cook until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, approximately 5 minutes.
- Stir in the salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and add 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a lightly greased 2-quart baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- If desired, dust the top with paprika for added color and flavor.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the macaroni and cheese to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting classic as a main dish or side.
Notes:
- For a crunchy topping, consider adding buttered breadcrumbs before baking.
- Feel free to experiment by incorporating other cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina for a different flavor profile.
This recipe offers a timeless approach to macaroni and cheese, delivering a dish that’s both creamy and satisfying.