Prepare to be transported back to grandma's kitchen with the ultimate comfort food that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Nana's Mac n Cheese isn't just another pasta dish - it's a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that promises to become your new family favorite. Whether you're looking for the perfect side dish or a soul-warming main course, this recipe guarantees to bring smiles, memories, and pure deliciousness to your dinner table in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is completely melted and starts to bubble, add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux. This helps thicken the cheese sauce.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook and stir the mixture for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken and becomes smooth.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy and uniform in color.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat each pasta piece thoroughly with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish. For a crispy top, you can optionally sprinkle additional cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest, most luxurious sauce - pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- Whisk continuously when making the roux and adding milk to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth cheese sauce.
- For extra richness, consider using whole milk or even a splash of heavy cream.
- If you want a crispy top, don't skip the optional broiling step - it adds a delightful golden crunch to the mac and cheese.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to set and become even more creamy.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends like adding some sharp cheddar or a touch of smoked gouda for more complex flavor.
- Season carefully and taste your sauce before adding the pasta to ensure perfect seasoning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 70mg
