Description
This recipe for Mouthwatering Mac and Cheese offers a creamy upgrade from the boxed version, combining real cheeses into a luscious dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz dried elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Step: In a small bowl, combine the plain flour, sea salt, and optional garlic powder. Stir together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Step: In a medium saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat until bubbly.
- Step: Add the flour mixture from the bowl to the melted butter. Whisk continuously for about 1 minute until slightly golden and fragrant.
- Step: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking, ensuring the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Cook for about 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Step: Incorporate the sour cream or Greek yogurt into the sauce, whisking until fully blended for an extra creamy touch.
- Step: Raise the heat to medium-high, cooking until the sauce bubbles gently and thickens more, about 3-5 minutes. Avoid boiling!
- Step: Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until fully melted and the sauce is glamorous and silky.
- Step: Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring gently until every noodle is generously coated in that stunning cheese hug.
- Step: Let the mac and cheese sit for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken further before serving for optimal creaminess.
- Step: Dish out the warm, bubbling mac and cheese, and enjoy the delightful texture and rich flavors!
Notes
Always shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded; it melts more smoothly and enhances the sauce’s creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 381 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 617 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 62 mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy pasta, comfort food, cheddar cheese, dinner