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Mac and Cheese Recipe
Enjoy this recipe for the best Mac and cheese!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (almost 2 cups) of elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups milk (whole milk or 2% recommended)
- 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions:
- How to cook the macaroni:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boiling temperature.
- Add in the elbow macaroni and cook using package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the cooked macaroni over the sink and set it aside while making the cheese sauce.
- How to make the cheese sauce:
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes. It should form a smooth paste.
- Pour and whisk in the milk slowly, ensuring no lumps.
- Cook and whisk the mixture until it thickens, taking about 5–7 minutes.
- Add salt, black pepper, and ground mustard (if using), and stir to combine.
- Turn the heat low and add the shredded cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan. Mix until the cheese is completely smooth and melted.
- Combine the macaroni and cheese sauce.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until the pasta is well coated in cheese.
Optional Breadcrumb Topping:
- If you want a crunchy topping, preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Move the macaroni and cheese mixture to a baking dish.
- Combine breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter in a small bowl and sprinkle the mixture over the macaroni.
- Bake (Optional):
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve:
- Please remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before eating.
- Enjoy!
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