🧀 Macaroni and Cheese (Creamy Homemade Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (warm)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra stretch)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the cheese sauce
In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for about 1–2 minutes until smooth and lightly golden.
3. Add milk
Slowly pour in warm milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens (about 3–5 minutes).
4. Add cheese and seasoning
Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar cheese (and mozzarella if using). Add salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until cheese melts and sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Combine with pasta
Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well until fully coated.
6. Serve
Serve hot and creamy. You can top with extra cheese or a little butter for richer flavor.
✅ Optional baked version:
Transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese or breadcrumbs on top, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes until golden.
If you want, I can also give you extra creamy restaurant-style mac and cheese or a quick 15-minute version.