Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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This Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese is all about comfort and simplicity. It's the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, with a creamy cheese sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for cozy nights or as a crowd-pleasing side at family gatherings.

Ingredients for Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese

The star of the show is sharp cheddar cheese — its tangy flavor and smooth melt make it ideal for this dish. Elbow macaroni provides the perfect little pockets to hold all that luscious cheese sauce. We start with unsalted butter and all-purpose flour to create a roux, which serves as the base for our creamy sauce. Whole milk adds richness and a silky texture. A touch of salt, black pepper, and paprika enhances the flavors without overpowering them. For those who love a bit of crunch, breadcrumbs can be sprinkled on top before a quick broil.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a smoother sauce, grate the cheese yourself — pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
  • Use a whisk to combine the flour and butter for the roux; it helps prevent lumps.
  • If your sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad for contrast or as a hearty side to grilled meats like chicken or steak. It's also excellent with roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Try mixing in mozzarella for gooeyness or a bit of Parmesan for extra flavor.
What can I use instead of whole milk?
Half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream can work if you want an even richer sauce.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to the baking step and store it in the fridge. Add the breadcrumbs right before baking.

Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking 8 ounces of elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. You want them al denté, which means they should still have a tiny bit of bite. Once cooked, drain them and set them aside.

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for about 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux — this will thicken our sauce.

Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Keep stirring as the mixture heats and thickens, about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy.

Now, add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing until every piece of pasta is coated in cheesy goodness. If you’re feeling fancy, transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs on top, and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Rich, creamy texture that satisfies even the strongest cheese cravings.
  • Customizable with optional breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
  • Uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
  • Kid-friendly and loved by adults alike.

Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the flour to the melted butter, whisking continuously to form a roux; cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form, and cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the salt, pepper, and paprika.
6. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
7. Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce, mixing until the pasta is well-coated.
8. (Optional) Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top, and broil until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.

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