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Classic Creamy Cafeteria-Style Macaroni and Cheese

Classic creamy macaroni and cheese with sharp cheddar and smooth cheese sauce, easy and comforting.

Classic Creamy Cafeteria-Style Macaroni and Cheese

Make classic creamy cafeteria-style macaroni and cheese with sharp cheddar and a smooth cheese sauce. Easy, comforting, and perfect for any meal.

Recipe Details

Prep time
10m
Cook time
15m
Rest time
0s
Total time
25m

Ingredients

Servings:
1
  • 85 g elbow macaroni dry
  • 15 g unsalted butter
  • 15 g all-purpose flour
  • 250 ml whole milk
  • 60 g sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 30 g cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper ground
  • 0.25 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon paprika

Origins

USA

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add elbow macaroni dry to boiling water and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
  3. Drain macaroni and set aside.
  4. In the same pot, melt unsalted butter over medium heat.
  5. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden, stirring constantly.
  6. Gradually whisk in whole milk, ensuring no lumps form.
  7. Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  8. Remove pot from heat and stir in sharp cheddar cheese shredded and cream cheese softened until melted and smooth.
  9. Season cheese sauce with salt, black pepper ground, mustard powder, and paprika; stir well.
  10. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine evenly.
  11. Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra paprika or shredded cheese.

Tips

  • Use sharp cheddar for best flavor and meltability.
  • Do not overcook macaroni to keep it firm in the cheese sauce.
  • Stir sauce constantly to avoid lumps and burning.

Serving Suggestions

  • steamed broccoli
  • green salad
  • grilled chicken breast

Enjoy this classic creamy macaroni and cheese as a comforting meal or side dish that everyone will love.

Nutrition Facts

Estimated values per 100g.

  • Fiber (g): 1
  • Sodium (g): 0.3
  • Sugar (g): 3
  • Fat (g): 8
  • Carbohydrates (g): 20
  • Protein (g): 8
  • Calories: 180
  • Cholesterol (g): 20
  • Saturated Fat (g): 5

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