Quick Homemade Mac and Cheese

Craving a comforting, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this homemade mac and cheese recipe! This classic dish is easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes 

Total Time: 30 minutes 

Why Homemade is Better

While boxed mac and cheese may be convenient, nothing quite like the taste of homemade mac and cheese. You can control the ingredients by making your own mac and cheese, ensuring a healthier and more flavorful meal. Plus, it's a fun and rewarding cooking experience for kids of all ages.

Here's How To Make It:

1. Cook the pasta: Boil the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. To make the roux, Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste.
3. Create the cheese sauce: Gradually whisk the milk into the roux, cooking until the sauce thickens. Stir in the Dijon mustard and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Combine and serve: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

What's the point of a roux? If you've made mac and cheese before, you've likely encountered the word "roux." It's just a fancy term for combining fat (in this case, butter) with flour to thicken sauces.

Here are a few tips for the best mac and cheese:

• To keep the heat low, cook it over medium-low heat to prevent the sauce from burning.
• Cook the flour: To remove the raw flour taste, cook the roux until it smells nutty.
• Shred your cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound macaroni
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 3 cups cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Roux: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and cook until golden brown.
3. Create the Sauce: Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
4. Add Cheese: Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss to coat.
6. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional cheese, breadcrumbs, or herbs.

Indulge in this timeless comfort food and savor every bite.

Elevate Your Mac and Cheese

To take your mac and cheese to the next level, consider these delicious variations:

• Truffle Mac and Cheese: Infuse the cheese sauce with truffle oil for an earthy, luxurious flavor.
• Bacon Mac and Cheese: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory twist.
• Spicy Mac and Cheese: Incorporate jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
• Loaded Mac and Cheese: Top with breadcrumbs, additional cheese, and crispy onions for a decadent, indulgent treat.

Serving suggestions:

• This creamy mac and cheese is the perfect sidekick to your main course. For little ones, pair it with crunchy air-fried chicken nuggets or saucy BBQ ribs. Adults can indulge in a gourmet combo with sizzling cast iron ribeye steaks or crispy air-fried chicken thighs.

Storing and reheating:

Mac and cheese isn't just a delicious comfort food; it's also a fantastic meal prep option that reheats beautifully. Whether packing lunches for the week or preparing meals for busy weeknights, this cheesy delight is a versatile choice.

Discover all the essential tips and tricks for storing and reheating your homemade mac and cheese. We've covered you, from freezing portions for later enjoyment to ensuring optimal reheating techniques.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat or the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out.