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Ultimate Mac and Cheese

Ultimate Mac and Cheese: Your 30-Minute Comfort Food Fix

Discover the delicious Ultimate Mac and Cheese, a comforting dish perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta Any shape works, but elbow macaroni is classic for this dish.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tbsp Butter Adds rich flavor; substitute with olive oil for a lighter touch.
  • 2 tbsp Flour Thickens the cheese sauce; switch to whole wheat flour for added health benefits.
  • 2 cups Milk Provides creaminess; almond milk can be used for a dairy-free alternative.
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or blend) The star of the dish; experiment with Gruyère or mozzarella for new flavors.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Gives a satisfying crunch; panko breadcrumbs can add extra crispiness, or use gluten-free options.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • medium saucepan
  • whisk
  • baking dish

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ultimate Mac and Cheese
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add 8 ounces of your favorite pasta and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter until bubbly, then whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour for about 1 minute to create a roux.
  3. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheese, mixing until melted and smooth.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, gently folding together until every noodle is evenly coated.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle 1 cup of breadcrumbs over the top, and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to customize with ingredients like bacon or veggies for added nutrition and flavor.

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