Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this homemade cheese sauce for mac and cheese. Its creamy, velvety texture envelops perfectly cooked pasta, creating a dish that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. Ideal for family dinners or cozy movie nights, this recipe is as simple to make as it is delicious. Customize with your favorite add-ins like crispy bacon or sautéed veggies for a unique twist. Get ready to savor every cheesy bite!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional add-ins (bacon bits or sautéed vegetables)

Instructions

Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour until smooth and golden (about 2 minutes).
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
Fold in the cooked macaroni until evenly coated. Adjust creaminess with an extra splash of milk if desired.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional cheese or herbs.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 420
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 17g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For added flavor, incorporate spices like paprika or garlic powder. Mix different cheeses for a richer flavor profile. Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat on low heat, adding milk if necessary.