How to Make Macaroni and Cheese – It's Easy AF!

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while processed cheese is often less expensive.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil provides healthier fats while margarine is a budget-friendly alternative.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + cornstarch

Almond milk is lower in calories, and a cornstarch mixture can mimic creaminess.

elbow macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pasta

💰Cheaper: generic pasta

Whole wheat pasta adds fiber while generic options are often cheaper.

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan.

Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the melted butter and stir with a wooden spoon to create a roux.

Cook the roux on low heat until it resembles wet sand, ensuring the flour is not raw.

Pre-cook macaroni before making the cheese sauce.

Slowly add milk to the roux while whisking to avoid lumps.

Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and becomes a smooth sauce.

Once thickened, add grated cheddar cheese to the sauce and stir with a wooden spoon until melted.

Season the cheese sauce with 2 pinches of salt and a few cracks of pepper.

Optionally, add cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Grate parmigiano-reggiano cheese into the sauce and stir until combined.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

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