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–+ servings
Simple Mac and Cheese

Creamy Simple Mac and Cheese Everyone Will Love

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This Simple Mac and Cheese is a rich, creamy dish that brings comfort to the table and is perfect for the whole family.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni cook according to package instructions
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded, sharp for more flavor
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese fresh grated
  • 2 cups Milk whole milk preferred
  • 4 tbsp Butter salted or unsalted based on preference
  • ¼ cup Flour all-purpose, for thickening
Flavor Enhancers
  • 1 tbsp Mustard yellow or Dijon
  • to taste Seasonings salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • large pot
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook elbow macaroni for 8-10 minutes, drain and set aside.
  2. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over low heat for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add ¼ cup of flour, whisking for 1-2 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.
  4. Pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking. Increase heat to medium until the sauce simmers and thickens for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the seasoning mix including 1 tablespoon of mustard.
  6. Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
  7. Add drained elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Transfer to serving bowls and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese and don't rush the roux for a smooth sauce. Adjust seasonings as needed and consider adding veggies or proteins for variation.

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