Macaroni cheese

Macaroni cheese, the classic comfort food with an indulgent twist, is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. This popular dish, with its golden, bubbly top and creamy, cheesy interior, is easy to make from scratch, even if you’re a kitchen newbie. The following recipe will guide you in creating a homemade version of this beloved meal without the need for any fancy ingredients or complicated cooking techniques. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to make your taste buds dance with delight.

Ingredients for Macaroni cheese

This recipe serves 2 and can be prepared in about 45 minutes. Here’s what you’ll need:

– 1 cup macaroni (about 150g)
– 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese (approx. 200g)
– 2 cups of milk (approx. 500ml)
– 2 tablespoons of flour (about 30g)
– 2 tablespoons of butter (about 30g)
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Nutritional Facts for Macaroni cheese

Per serving, this macaroni cheese dish contains approximately 800 calories, 50g of fat, 60g of carbohydrates, and 35g of protein.

Instructions for Macaroni cheese

Here are the step-by-step instructions to make your own delicious macaroni cheese:

1. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the macaroni is cooking, start making the cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste. Cook for about a minute.
4. Gradually add the milk to the flour and butter mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
6. Combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce, stirring well to ensure each piece of macaroni is coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a baking dish.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Macaroni cheese

1. Use a good quality cheddar for a rich and flavourful cheese sauce.
2. Stir the cheese sauce constantly to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan.
3. Add a bit of mustard or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

Macaroni cheese can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a side. Serve it with a crisp, green salad for a refreshing contrast or pair it with some grilled vegetables for a hearty and balanced meal. Either way, your homemade macaroni cheese will be a hit!

Conclusion

Macaroni cheese is a versatile dish that’s loved by many. By making it from scratch, you can control the ingredients, customize the flavours, and ensure that it’s just the way you like it. Plus, there’s something truly satisfying about serving a dish that you’ve made with your own hands. So, get cooking and enjoy the process as much as you will enjoy the delicious result!