Description
Comfort mac and cheese delights palates with its rich, cheesy goodness. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this classic dish a weeknight favorite for families craving hearty, satisfying meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (200 grams) elbow macaroni or favorite pasta
- 2 ½ cups (600 ml) whole milk (or 2% milk)
- 2 cups (200 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (50 grams) shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tbsps (30 grams) unsalted butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
Instructions
- Preparation: Combine macaroni, milk, water, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a large pot, creating a flavorful pasta base.
- Cooking: Heat the mixture on medium, stirring consistently to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking, allowing liquid to gradually absorb and create a creamy foundation.
- Cheese Integration: Reduce heat and gently fold in cheddar and monterey jack cheeses, stirring methodically to achieve a smooth, velvety texture that completely coats each pasta strand.
- Finishing: Remove from heat, allowing residual warmth to thicken the sauce and develop a glossy consistency. Optional: Sprinkle additional cheese or black pepper for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Serving: Immediately transfer to serving dishes, maintaining the mac and cheese’s warm, luxurious appeal and ensuring optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Monitor Liquid Levels: Maintain a close watch on liquid absorption to prevent pasta from burning or becoming dry, adding small amounts of water or milk if needed.
- Stir Consistently: Continuous stirring prevents pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking and sauce distribution throughout the dish.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Remove pot from direct heat when adding cheese to avoid separation or graininess, folding gently for smooth, creamy texture.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular milk with plant-based alternatives, use gluten-free pasta, or select low-fat cheese for healthier variations without compromising flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg