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+ servings
Ultimate Mac and Cheese

Ultimate Mac and Cheese: Creamy Comfort in Just 30 Minutes

Discover the creamy joy of Ultimate Mac and Cheese, a comforting dish perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta shape
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 3 tbsp Butter or margarine for a dairy-free option
  • 3 tbsp All-purpose flour use gluten-free flour if needed
  • 2 cups Milk almond or oat milk for a lighter alternative
  • 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese mixing in gruyère or gouda is encouraged
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs panko is recommended; season with herbs if desired

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • medium saucepan
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add elbow macaroni, and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter, then whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour for 1 minute until light golden.
  3. Slowly add 2 cups of milk, whisking continuously for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer to a greased baking dish, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter, and sprinkle over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Let mac and cheese sit a few minutes before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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