Instructions

Step 1

Melt the Butter

Begin by taking **40 grams of butter** and melting it in a saucepan. Turn the heat down to **medium-low**, around 6 out of 9. This will prevent the butter from browning too quickly.

Step 2

Make the Roux

Once the butter is melted, add **2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour**. Stir well until the mixture is combined and forms a smooth paste. This mixture is known as a roux and will help thicken your cheese sauce.

Step 3

Add Milk and Seasoning

Slowly pour in **40-60 grams of milk**, stirring continuously. Adjust the amount of milk based on how thick you want your sauce to be. Add **salt and black ground pepper** to taste for seasoning.

Step 4

Incorporate the Cheese

Next, add **100 grams of cheese**, preferably Cheddar, into the sauce. Stir until the cheese melts and is fully incorporated into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency.

Step 5

Mix in the Macaroni

Finally, add in **150 grams of cooked macaroni** and stir everything together until the pasta is well coated in the cheese sauce. This dish can be served right away or topped with more cheese and baked briefly in the oven at the highest temperature until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6

Serve and Enjoy

Your cheesy macaroni is now ready to be served! Enjoy it hot as a comforting snack or appetizer. If desired, feel free to sprinkle some extra cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy finish.

Servings

Ready to serve?! 🎉 Pair your cheesy macaroni with a fresh garden salad for a delightful balance of flavors. **Don't forget some toasted bread** to mop up every last cheesy bit—delicious! 🍞✨ For a fun twist, serve it in individual ramekins and sprinkle each with herbs for that gourmet touch. Your friends will be impressed! If you want to level up your game, consider adding some crispy bacon bits or grilled chicken on top. Trust me, they'll disappear in no time! You can even make it a **family-style dish** by placing it in the center of the table for everyone to dig in. Sharing is caring, right? 😄

Equipment

Measuring Cups & Spoons

Accurate measurements elevate your cooking! Make sure to have a solid set handy for butter and flour.

We recommend:
Baking Dish (optional)

If you choose to bake your macaroni to crisp up the cheese on top, a baking dish is essential. Choose one that fits in your oven comfortably!

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: 👩‍🍳 Swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend! This way, everyone can enjoy your cheesy goodness.
Vegan Option: 🌱 Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan cheese for a delightful vegan macaroni that remains creamy and delicious! Try nutritional yeast for added flavor.

Faq

  • Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

    Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite cheeses, but Cheddar and creamy cheeses work best for that melt-in-your-mouth experience!

  • What can I do if my cheese sauce is too thick?

    Add a little bit more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, you can always adjust!

  • How do I know when my pasta is perfectly cooked?

    The best test is to taste it! It should be al dente, meaning firm to the bite but not raw.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time, and can I reheat it?

    Yes, you can prepare it in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the oven, adding a splash of milk if needed.

  • What's the best way to keep my macaroni from sticking together?

    Make sure to stir it well during cooking, and using plenty of water helps as well. A little olive oil in the water can aid in preventing sticking!

  • Can I bake the macaroni after cooking?

    Yes! For an extra cheesy topping, transfer it to a baking dish, sprinkle more cheese on top, and bake it until bubbly and golden!

Nutrition facts

Cheesy Macaroni Recipe for Delicious Comfort Food
Recipe Yield:2 servings
Calories:Approximate calories range for a serving of this dish.
Calories (Min - Max):600 - 800
Total Fat:35g
Saturated Fat:20g
Protein:25g
Total Carbohydrate:50g
Total Sugars:5g