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Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Unforgettable Homemade Macaroni and Cheese: Comfort Food Bliss

There's nothing quite like homemade macaroni and cheese to lift your spirits after a long day. A creamy, dreamy dish that combines flavors and textures.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: DINNER
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni perfect for holding that creamy sauce
Sauce Base
  • 2 tablespoons butter unsalted for better flavor control
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour essential for thickening the cheese sauce
  • 2 cups milk whole milk will make it richer
  • 1 teaspoon salt enhances all the flavors
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper adds a hint of spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for an aromatic touch
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder brings in a slight sweetness
Cheese
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese use a quality brand for best results
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese adds a nutty depth to the mix
Topping
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs creates an irresistible crunchy topping
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter helps the breadcrumbs brown perfectly

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • baking dish
  • whisk
  • pot

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Begin by boiling the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to keep it warm.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  3. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking continuously until the mixture begins to thicken, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.
  5. Add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese to the saucepan, stirring until melted.
  6. Gently mix the cheese sauce into the cooked macaroni, ensuring each piece is coated.
  7. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  8. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and mix well.
  9. Sprinkle the panko mixture over the macaroni and cheese. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 600IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For an extra touch, garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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