Description
A creamy, cheesy, and buttery dish that evokes nostalgia, perfect for family gatherings and cozy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Fresh herbs (thyme or parsley) for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes until golden.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Cheesy Goodness: Lower the heat and slowly stir in the shredded cheeses until melted and creamy. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Combine: Fold in the cooked pasta until well coated with cheese sauce.
- Bake (Optional): Transfer to a buttered baking dish, top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until golden.
Notes
Use high-quality cheese for best results; avoid overbaking to maintain a gooey texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, comfort food, pasta, cheesy, family recipe, baking