Eat Recipes

A Classic Macaroni Cheese Recipe

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed by generations. This simple yet delicious dish consists of elbow macaroni noodles coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce, and baked until golden brown and bubbly. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this classic macaroni cheese recipe is sure to satisfy. In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions for making this mouthwatering dish, along with some tips for customizing it to your taste. Get ready to indulge in some cheesy goodness!

Recipe Substitutes

  • Elbow macaroni: You can substitute the elbow macaroni with other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. You can also use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta if you prefer.
  • Unsalted butter: You can substitute the unsalted butter with salted butter or margarine. If you’re vegan, you can use a plant-based butter or oil.
  • Plain flour: You can substitute the plain flour with whole wheat flour, cornstarch, or a gluten-free flour blend. Note that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
  • Milk: You can substitute the milk with a non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk if you’re lactose intolerant or vegan. Just make sure to choose a plain, unsweetened variety for the best result.
  • Cheddar cheese: You can substitute the cheddar cheese with other kinds of hard cheese like Parmesan, Gouda, or Swiss cheese. You can also mix different types of cheese for a more complex flavor. If you’re vegan, you can use a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast flakes instead.

Ingredients

  • 500g (1lb) elbow macaroni
  • 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
  • 50g (1/4 cup) plain flour
  • 500ml (2 cups) milk
  • 250g (2 cups) grated cheddar cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a large baking dish.
  2. Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
  4. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in 200g (1 3/4 cups) of the grated cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
  7. Pour the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 50g (1/4 cup) of grated cheddar cheese on top.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.
  9. Let the macaroni cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

ele Note: If you want to add some extra flavor, you can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce and for an extra decadent treat add crumbled bacon bits on top.

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