Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Lower calorie option or more budget-friendly.

elbow macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole grain pasta

💰Cheaper: generic pasta brands

More nutritious or cost-effective.

Add equal amounts of butter and flour to a saucepan over medium heat to make a roux.

Mix the melted butter and flour with a wooden spoon until well incorporated into a paste.

Cook the roux for a few minutes to develop flavor, stirring occasionally.

Measure out whole milk and pour it into a jug for easy pouring.

Pour a small amount of milk into the roux, stirring with a wooden spoon until smooth; repeat until all milk is used.

If the sauce becomes lumpy, keep stirring on heat; switch to a whisk if necessary.

Grate cheddar and mozzarella cheese and set aside.

In a large pot of boiling water, add salt and elbow macaroni; cook for about 7 minutes, stirring to prevent sticking.

Remove the béchamel sauce from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before adding cheese.

Slowly add cheese to the sauce, waiting for it to melt between additions; reserve some cheese for topping.

Drain the macaroni in a colander and shake to remove excess water.

Pour the macaroni into the cheese sauce and mix until well incorporated.

Pour the mac and cheese into a baking dish and sprinkle reserved cheese on top.

Place the baking dish in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and everything is crispy and bubbling.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens