Mac and cheese is a classic American comfort food that can transport anyone to their childhood or college days. Making the perfect American mac and cheese is easy with a few simple ingredients and steps. Start by cooking 1 pound of elbow macaroni until it is al dente, then make a cheese sauce by melting 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan and adding all-purpose flour, whole milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Finally, combine the macaroni and cheese sauce, bake it in a 9×13 inch dish, and enjoy the comforting deliciousness of a homemade mac and cheese.
Savor the Comfort of American Mac and Cheese
Introduction
Mac and cheese is a classic American comfort food enjoyed by people of all ages. The dish brings back memories of childhood and college days. A bowl of cheesy macaroni can make you feel warm and cozy from the inside, even on the coldest of days. Learning how to make mac and cheese from scratch is easy and incredibly rewarding.
In this article, we will discuss a step-by-step guide for making the perfect American mac and cheese. It is a simple recipe that anyone can follow, and the end result is a delicious bowl of mac and cheese that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring it to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes or until the mixture is smooth and bubbling.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 10 minutes.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan and stir until it is melted and fully combined with the sauce.
Step 3: Combine the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until it is fully coated.
Step 4: Bake the Mac and Cheese
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Transfer the mac and cheese to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Bake the mac and cheese for 25-30 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve the mac and cheese hot, garnished with chopped parsley or breadcrumbs if desired.
Conclusion
Mac and cheese is one of the most beloved American comfort foods, and it is easy to see why. This homemade mac and cheese recipe is simple to follow and will impress your family and friends with its delicious and cheesy flavor. Once you have mastered the art of the perfect mac and cheese, you can experiment with different ingredients such as bacon, broccoli or jalapeños, for a unique twist on the classic dish. Enjoy!