Creamy Mac & Cheese is a classic, quick, and simple dish to prepare for back to school. If you are looking for a comforting meal that the whole family will love, this is the ideal kid friendly recipe. It can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 ½ cups Elbow pasta
• 2 Tbsp Butter
• 2 Tbsp Flour
• 1 tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Garlic powder
• ¼ tsp Black pepper
• ¼ tsp Chili powder
• 2 cups Whole Milk
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese
INSTRUCTIONS:
Add 1 ½ cups of your desired pasta shape to a large pot of boiling, salted water. Cook according to the directions on the package.
Stir the pasta occasionally. It should be tender but still firm to the bite. Avoid overcooking the pasta.
Using a colander, drain the cooked pasta. Give the pasta a quick rinse with cold water and stir it gently to prevent it from sticking together. Set the pasta aside.
Note: If you use the entire box of pasta for this recipe, your Creamy Mac and Cheese may turn out a little dry.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and allow it to melt. Add the flour and whisk constantly until the mixture is smooth.
Continue cooking and whisking for approximately one minute to make a roux.
Reduce the heat to medium low and gradually add the milk to the roux. Add a small amount of milk at a time, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken.
This helps the sauce thicken more quickly while maintaining a smooth and silky texture. Simmer for about five minutes, whisking occasionally.
Over medium low heat, add the garlic powder, chili powder, black pepper, and salt to season the sauce. Whisk continuously until the sauce is thick and smooth.
Once the sauce has noticeably thickened, remove it from the heat. Do not overcook the sauce, as it may curdle.
Whisk in the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted. Avoid overheating the cheese sauce, as it can become crumbly, gritty, or greasy.
Taste the cheese sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Keep in mind that once the pasta is added, the flavor will become somewhat less intense, so make sure the sauce is well seasoned.
Once the cheese sauce is smooth and silky, turn off the heat. Add the cooked pasta and stir until everything is well combined. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce and thicken as it cools, giving the Creamy Mac and Cheese its ideal consistency.
Serve the homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese immediately for the creamiest texture. For an easy lunch or dinner, serve it with roasted broccoli or your favorite vegetable.
Do not walk away from the cheese sauce. To keep the sauce creamy and smooth, whisk continuously while it is on the burner.
Do not make the sauce too thick while it is on the stove. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is the traditional shape used for Mac and Cheese. Its nooks and crannies are excellent for holding the creamy cheese sauce.
Butter: Serves as the primary fat for the roux. It also adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the sharpness of the cheese.
Flour: Combines with the melted butter to form a roux, which helps thicken the creamy cheese sauce.
Whole Milk: The best choice for this recipe because it serves as the base of the cheese sauce and produces a thicker, richer consistency.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts smoothly and provides a strong, delicious flavor. I also recommend grating the cheese yourself. Compared with pre shredded cheese, freshly grated cheese melts much better.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the cheese and helps season the pasta.
Black Pepper: Provides a nice balance to the creamy, silky cheese sauce.
Garlic Powder: Elevates the flavor and gives the Creamy Mac and Cheese an extra savory taste.
Chili Powder: Adds a warm, golden orange color to the sauce while providing earthy, smoky, and savory flavors.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Creamy Mac and Cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days when kept in an airtight container.
Since Creamy Mac and Cheese thickens as it cools, you may need to add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk before reheating it in the microwave. This will help restore its creamy consistency.
