How To Make Mac and Cheese

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.

Heat 4 cups of whole milk in a pot on medium heat.

Add 1 bay leaf, 3-4 whole allspice, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and some ground pepper to the milk.

Stir the milk mixture briefly and look for small bubbles around the edge of the pot to indicate it's warming.

In a separate pan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter on low heat.

Once melted, add 4 tablespoons of white flour to the butter and whisk together until smooth to create a roux.

Cook the roux on low heat until it reaches a light golden color, avoiding browning.

Slowly add the warm milk mixture to the roux a little at a time, whisking to combine until smooth.

Turn the heat back on under the roux and milk mixture to keep it warm while whisking.

Cook the combined mixture for about 15 minutes until it thickens.

In the meantime, boil water in a large pot and add 1 tablespoon of salt for cooking the pasta.

Add 1 pound of elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook until al dente, then drain.

Combine the thickened cheese sauce with the drained macaroni and mix well.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens