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Creamy Ultra-Cheddar Mac and Cheese

creamy ultra-cheddar mac and cheese - featured image
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A quick and easy homemade mac and cheese recipe featuring a silky, creamy cheddar cheese sauce that clings to every noodle for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for breadcrumb topping, optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 6 quarts). Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until smooth and bubbly but not browned.
  3. Slowly pour in warm whole milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to low and stir in salt, black pepper, dry mustard powder, and optional garlic powder.
  5. Remove saucepan from heat and gradually stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add a splash of milk if sauce is too thick or grainy.
  6. Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
  7. Optional: Transfer mac and cheese to a buttered 8×8 inch baking dish. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly on top. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Serve immediately. If skipping baking, serve straight from stove. Stir in warm milk if sauce thickens before serving.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for best melting and smooth sauce. If baking, undercook pasta by 30 seconds to avoid mushiness. Add warm milk if sauce thickens or becomes grainy. Remove sauce from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, cheddar cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, creamy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/creamy-ultra-cheddar-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/