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Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.3 from 2 reviews

This Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, smooth, and cheesy dish made with just 8 simple ingredients in only 15 minutes on the stovetop. Perfect for a quick and comforting meal, it replaces boxed versions with fresh, homemade goodness that’s sure to satisfy.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni uncooked

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 Tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional but recommended)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups)

Instructions

  1. Cook macaroni: Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions, adding ¼ teaspoon salt to the boiling water. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare flour mixture: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sea salt, and garlic powder. Set aside to use in the sauce.
  3. Melt butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter completely.
  4. Make roux: Add the flour mixture to the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1 minute, allowing the mixture to cook and turn slightly brown, which will remove the raw flour taste.
  5. Add milk: Gradually whisk in 1 cup of whole milk until the sauce is smooth and lump-free.
  6. Incorporate sour cream: Add ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt and whisk until fully integrated and the sauce remains smooth.
  7. Thicken sauce: Cook the mixture on medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spatula without boiling.
  8. Mix in cheese: Reduce heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Whisk until the cheese melts entirely and the sauce is smooth. Adjust salt and seasoning to taste if needed.
  9. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat all the pasta with sauce.
  10. Rest and serve: Let the mac and cheese cool for 3-5 minutes; this allows the sauce to thicken slightly and adhere better to the noodles. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use whole milk for the creamiest texture, but you can substitute with 2% milk if preferred.
  • For tangier flavor, opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
  • Do not let the sauce boil to prevent separation and curdling.
  • Garlic powder is optional but enhances the flavor nicely.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/easy-homemade-mac-and-cheese-recipe/