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Ultimate Mac and Cheese

Ultimate Mac and Cheese: Your 30-Minute Comfort Food Fix

This Ultimate Mac and Cheese recipe is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz pasta Elbow macaroni or shells work well.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tbsp butter Substitute with margarine for dairy-free.
  • 4 tbsp flour All-purpose or gluten-free flour.
  • 3 cups milk Full-fat or unsweetened almond milk.
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese Can substitute with Gruyère or mozzarella.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Panko for extra crispiness.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • medium saucepan
  • whisk
  • Baking Dish

Method
 

Main Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for about 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute until smooth.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk and cook for about 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Reduce heat to low, stir in cheddar cheese and mix until melted and smooth.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For best results, avoid overcooking pasta. Mix different cheese varieties for enhanced flavor.

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