How to Make Macaroni and Cheese

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.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Add a dash of salt to the boiling water.

Pour 1 box (8 ounces) of macaroni into the pot.

Cook the macaroni until it's cooked through but firm, about 8 minutes.

Drain the macaroni and set aside.

Melt 1/4 cup (55 grams) of butter in a pan over medium heat.

Add 1/4 cup (32 grams) of flour, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) of salt, and a dash of black pepper to the pan.

Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth.

Stir in 2 cups (475 milliliters) of milk until the mixture is bubbling, about 5 minutes.

Add 2 cups (250 grams) of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese is melted.

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese mixture.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

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