macaroni and cheese sauce recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
macaroni and cheese sauce recipe
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The Best macaroni and cheese sauce recipe

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food dish that has been a staple in many American households for decades. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike. I first discovered this recipe when I was a young mother, trying to find a way to get my picky eaters to eat something other than chicken nuggets and fries. This recipe has been a game-changer for our family, and I’m excited to share it with you today.

The origins of macaroni and cheese are unclear, but it’s believed to have originated in Italy or France, where it was known as ‘macaroni au fromage.’ The dish was popularized in the United States by Thomas Jefferson, who brought back the idea of macaroni and cheese from his travels in Europe. He even had a special macaroni machine built to help him prepare the dish. One of the things I love about this recipe is the creamy texture of the cheese sauce.

It’s made by combining grated cheddar cheese with milk and flour, then cooking it until it thickens. This process creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats each piece of pasta perfectly. My kids love helping me stir the sauce until it’s smooth and creamy. In addition to being delicious, this recipe is also relatively healthy compared to some other comfort foods.

By using whole wheat pasta and a moderate amount of cheese, we can enjoy this meal without feeling too guilty. Plus, the pasta provides fiber, while the cheese offers protein and calcium. To make this recipe even more convenient, I like to use a shortcut method by combining shredded cheddar cheese with milk and flour in a saucepan. Then I simply heat it over medium heat until the mixture thickens.

This method saves time without sacrificing flavor or texture. As I mentioned earlier, this recipe has become a staple in our household. We enjoy it for lunch or dinner, and I often serve it at family gatherings or potlucks because everyone loves it so much. Another benefit of this recipe is that it can be customized to suit different tastes.

For example, you can add some diced ham or bacon for extra flavor, or use different types of cheese for a unique taste experience.

Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

4.6 from 1960 votes

A creamy, comforting macaroni and cheese sauce made with a rich cheese blend. It’s perfect for serving over pasta or using as a base for other dishes.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Macaroni

8 oz elbow macaroni

For the Cheese Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
3Drain the macaroni using a colander and set aside.
4In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
5Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux.
6Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a light golden color.
7Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
8Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly and begins to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
9Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan.
10Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
11Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
12Stir well to combine the ingredients.
13Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
14If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of milk to reach your desired consistency.
15Serve the macaroni and cheese sauce immediately while hot, garnished with additional shredded cheese or chopped herbs if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Saucepan
Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also stir in cooked vegetables or proteins like bacon or chicken for added flavor and nutrition.

Watch Video Of How Macaroni and Cheese Sauce Works

This macaroni and cheese sauce recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or want to impress your guests at a party.

The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile: you can customize it with different types of pasta or add-ins like ham or veggies.

Plus, it reheats beautifully for leftovers.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

1.

What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using elbow macaroni or another short-shaped pasta.

2.

Can I use low-fat cheese instead of regular cheddar?

While low-fat cheese will still work well in this recipe, keep in mind that it may not melt as smoothly as regular cheddar.

3.

How do I store leftover macaroni and cheese?

You can store leftover macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

4.

Can I freeze cooked macaroni and cheese?

Sure! Cooked macaroni and cheese can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

5.

I don’t have any breadcrumbs – can I omit them?

You can omit the breadcrumbs if you don’t have them on hand.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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