Mac and Cheese (Easy Stovetop Recipe) Cooking Classy from www.cookingclassy.com
Introduction
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. It's a simple dish that's easy to make and perfect for those days when you just want to indulge in some delicious cheesy goodness. In this article, we'll be sharing a simple mac and cheese recipe that you can whip up in no time. This recipe is perfect for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious meal.
Ingredients
To make this simple mac and cheese recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
1 pound macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make this delicious mac and cheese:
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the flour and stir until smooth.
Add the milk and stir constantly until the mixture thickens.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until well combined.
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
Here's the nutritional information for this simple mac and cheese recipe:
Calories: 600
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 70g
Sodium: 600mg
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Before you start cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F. This will ensure that your mac and cheese bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown.
Step 2: Cook the macaroni
Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. You want your macaroni to be cooked al dente, so it still has a bit of bite to it.
Step 3: Melt the butter
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. You want to make sure that the butter is completely melted before you move on to the next step.
Step 4: Add the flour
Add the flour to the melted butter and stir until smooth. This will create a roux that will thicken the cheese sauce.
Step 5: Add the milk
Next, add the milk to the saucepan and stir constantly until the mixture thickens. This will take about 5-7 minutes, so be patient and keep stirring.
Step 6: Add the shredded cheddar cheese
Once the mixture has thickened, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it's completely melted. This will create a delicious cheese sauce that's perfect for your mac and cheese.
Step 7: Season with salt and pepper
Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste. You want to make sure that the sauce is well seasoned so that it has the perfect balance of flavors.
Step 8: Add the cooked macaroni
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until well combined. You want to make sure that all of the macaroni is coated in the cheese sauce.
Step 9: Pour into a baking dish
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish. You want to make sure that the baking dish is big enough to hold all of the mac and cheese.
Step 10: Bake
Bake the mac and cheese for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown. You want to make sure that the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is crispy and golden brown.
Step 11: Serve hot and enjoy!
Once your mac and cheese is done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, serve it hot and enjoy!
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want to switch things up a bit, here are some ingredient substitutions you can make:
Macaroni: You can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne or rotini.
Cheese: You can use any type of cheese you like, such as mozzarella or gouda.
Milk: You can use any type of milk you like, such as almond milk or soy milk.
Butter: You can use margarine or olive oil instead of butter.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect mac and cheese:
Cook the pasta al dente to ensure it doesn't become too soft when baked.
Make sure to stir the cheese sauce constantly to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan.
Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste to ensure it has the perfect balance of flavors.
Use a baking dish that's big enough to hold all of the mac and cheese.
Bake the mac and cheese until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this simple mac and cheese recipe is perfect for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious meal. It's easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients. Whether you're cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this mac and cheese is sure to be a hit. So, give it a try and enjoy!