Description
A creamy, budget-friendly homemade macaroni and cheese recipe that uses simple pantry staples and a proper roux technique to create a rich, smooth sauce without artificial ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until foaming.
- Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for about two minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color and smells nutty.
- Slowly pour in the milk, a little at a time, while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps.
- Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes, until it coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove the pan from the heat.
- Add 2 cups of the shredded cheese and stir until melted, then add the remaining cheese, stirring slowly to melt using residual heat.
- Stir in the mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the drained macaroni and toss gently to coat every piece.
- Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
For best results, grate your own cheese as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Always remove the pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent a grainy texture. If the sauce breaks, whisk in a tablespoon of cold milk to bring it back together. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days; reheat gently with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: macaroni and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, budget meals, comfort food, easy dinner, leftover hack, cheesy pasta, family friendly