Description
A simple, creamy, and comforting Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese recipe that’s perfect for beginner cooks and quick, healthy meals.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni – 2 cups
- Cheddar cheese, shredded – 2 cups
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons
- Milk – 2 cups
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Optional spices: paprika, garlic powder, dry mustard powder – as desired
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot, add pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly, about 4–5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and slowly stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and optional spices. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add cooked pasta back into the pot and mix gently until all pieces are coated. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Optional: transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese, and broil for a few minutes until golden and bubbling.
Notes
- If pasta finishes early, toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Keep heat low when adding cheese to avoid graininess.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop and optional broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg