Overview
Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food that’s easy to prepare and always satisfying. In this post, we’ll simplify the process of making homemade mac and cheese by breaking it down into prep time, cook time, total time, and a clear list of ingredients and directions.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 cups milk
Cooking Instructions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika, whisking continuously for about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, raising the heat to medium-high. Continue whisking until the mixture starts to thicken, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Serve hot as a delicious side or main dish!
Time Summary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes