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Best Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe: Creamy & Easy

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and easy homemade mac and cheese recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Boil elbow macaroni until just under al dente; drain.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour for 2 minutes to create a roux.
  3. Slowly whisk in milk until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in all cheeses and spices until melted.
  5. Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until well coated.
  6. Optional: Transfer to a dish and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until bubbly.

Notes

For an extra creamy texture, use a blend of cheeses and don't overcook the pasta.