Vegan Macaroni and Cheese (Paleo Cheese Sauce) from www.apothecarymary.com
Introduction
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. This dish is not only easy to make, but it is also delicious and satisfying. The key to making the perfect macaroni and cheese is the cheese sauce. In this article, we will share with you the ultimate macaroni cheese sauce recipe that is sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let's take a look at the ingredients you will need to make this delicious macaroni cheese sauce: - 1 pound elbow macaroni - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 2 cups whole milk - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste
Elbow Macaroni
The first ingredient you will need is elbow macaroni. This type of pasta is perfect for macaroni and cheese because of its shape. The curved shape of the elbow macaroni helps to hold the cheese sauce, making each bite of macaroni cheesy and delicious.
Cheese
The cheese is the star of this dish, so it's important to use a good quality cheese. For this recipe, we use a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. The cheddar cheese adds a sharp flavor, while the mozzarella cheese adds a creamy texture. The Parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor that complements the other cheeses perfectly.
Milk
The milk is used to make the cheese sauce. It's important to use whole milk for this recipe because it has a higher fat content, which helps to make the sauce creamy and rich.
Butter and Flour
The butter and flour are used to make a roux, which is the base of the cheese sauce. The roux helps to thicken the sauce and gives it a velvety texture.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder
The garlic powder and onion powder add flavor to the cheese sauce. You can adjust the amount of these seasonings to your liking.
Salt and Pepper
The salt and pepper are used to season the cheese sauce. Be sure to taste the sauce before adding too much salt, as the cheese can be salty.
Instructions
Now that we have gone over the ingredients, let's dive into the instructions for making the ultimate macaroni cheese sauce.
Step 1: Cook the macaroni
The first step is to cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water generously to add flavor to the pasta. Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the roux
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it turns a light golden color.
Step 3: Add the milk
Slowly pour the milk into the saucepan, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to whisk until the milk comes to a simmer and the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Add the cheese
Once the sauce has thickened, add the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5: Add the seasonings
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Whisk to combine.
Step 6: Combine the sauce and macaroni
Add the cooked macaroni to the saucepan and stir to combine. Continue to cook the macaroni and cheese over low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through.
Step 7: Serve
Once the macaroni and cheese is heated through, it's ready to serve. You can garnish the dish with fresh herbs or breadcrumbs for added texture.
Nutrition
Now that we have gone over the ingredients and instructions for making the ultimate macaroni cheese sauce, let's take a look at the nutrition information. One serving of this macaroni and cheese contains approximately: - 550 calories - 28 grams of fat - 16 grams of saturated fat - 75 milligrams of cholesterol - 900 milligrams of sodium - 50 grams of carbohydrates - 2 grams of fiber - 8 grams of sugar - 25 grams of protein
Conclusion
Macaroni and cheese is a classic dish that everyone loves. With this ultimate macaroni cheese sauce recipe, you can make a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to impress your friends and family. So why not give it a try today and see for yourself how easy and delicious it can be!