Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the creamy, cheesy goodness of homemade mac and cheese. This Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe offers a delightful balance of creamy texture and rich flavor that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Featuring a blend of freshly grated sharp cheddar, medium cheddar, and Boar’s Head American cheese, this dish is full of cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The addition of Dijon mustard and paprika adds depth of flavor and a little zing, making it a standout choice for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just indulging in some self-care, this recipe is an easy and delicious choice. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

This recipe uses basic, easy-to-find ingredients like butter, milk, cheese, and pasta—no complicated steps or hard-to-find items.

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2. Freshly Grated Cheese for Better Flavor

Using freshly grated cheese (especially the Boar’s Head American cheese from the deli) ensures that your mac and cheese has a smooth, velvety texture, and a richer, more flavorful taste compared to pre-packaged cheese.

3. Versatile Pasta Options

You can use a variety of pasta shapes, like cavatappi, elbow, penne, or farfalle, allowing you to choose your favorite or what you have on hand.

4. Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together quickly, taking just about 30 minutes to make from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a quick comfort meal.

5. Customizable

The recipe is easily adaptable—feel free to add your favorite seasonings, extra cheese, or even mix-ins like bacon, herbs, or vegetables to make it your own.

Ingredients

• Cavatappi pasta (or elbow, penne, farfalle)
• Unsalted butter
• Flour
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
• American cheese (Boar’s Head, from the deli)
• Medium cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Dijon mustard

Variations

• Bacon Mac and Cheese: Add cooked crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
• Spicy Mac and Cheese: Stir in some diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to give the dish a spicy kick.
• Veggie Mac and Cheese: Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or roasted tomatoes for extra nutrients and color.
• Gluten-Free: Swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Cheese Variations: Try adding different cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Roux

While the pasta water is heating, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, creating a smooth paste. This helps eliminate the raw flour taste from the sauce.

Step 3: Add Dairy

Gradually pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, about 1/4 cup at a time, while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Season the Sauce

Stir in the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings to taste. If you prefer more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne or extra paprika.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the American cheese, medium cheddar, and sharp cheddar cheese in small pieces, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth. Be sure the heat is low to prevent the cheese from separating.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish.

Step 7: Broil or Bake

For a golden, bubbly top, set the oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes, or bake at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the top is slightly crispy.

Step 8: Serve

Serve immediately for the creamiest texture. If desired, sprinkle with dried parsley or additional paprika for garnish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Fresh Cheese: Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-packaged shredded cheese for the best melt and texture.
• Preventing Lumps: Whisk the dairy into the roux slowly, adding small amounts at a time to prevent any lumps from forming.
• Customizing Flavor: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste—more mustard for a tangy kick, or extra paprika for warmth.
• Creaminess: For a creamier texture, you can add extra heavy cream or a little more cheese.
• Pasta Cooking Tip: Make sure to cook the pasta just al dente so it doesn’t become too soft after mixing with the cheese sauce.

How to Serve

This mac and cheese is perfect as a main dish or as a side to complement meats like fried chicken, grilled steak, or BBQ. It’s also fantastic with a fresh salad on the side to balance the richness. For a fun twist, serve with garlic bread or roasted vegetables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Mac and cheese can be frozen, but it’s best to store it in an airtight container and consume it within 1-2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the mac and cheese with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to restore its creaminess.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute cavatappi for elbow macaroni, penne, or even farfalle depending on your preference.

2. Can I make this mac and cheese without mustard?

Yes, you can skip the Dijon mustard, but it adds a subtle tanginess that complements the cheese well.

3. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or fresh chopped jalapeños to bring heat to the dish.

4. Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. Mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack would all work well in this recipe.

5. Is it better to use whole milk or 2% milk?

Whole milk is preferred for its richness and creaminess, but you can substitute with 2% milk if necessary.

6. Can I skip the baking step?

Yes, if you prefer a stovetop version, simply mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and serve immediately.

7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just bake or broil it before serving.

8. How do I prevent the cheese from separating?

Be sure to keep the heat low when melting the cheese and add it gradually to ensure smooth melting.

9. Can I add meat to this mac and cheese?

Yes, cooked bacon, sausage, or even shredded chicken would be delicious additions to this dish.

10. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While it’s best to use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest texture, you can use pre-shredded cheese if needed. Just be aware it might not melt as smoothly.

Conclusion

This Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe is a simple, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, creamy cheese sauce, the combination of sharp cheddar, medium cheddar, and American cheese creates a velvety texture that will leave everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you bake it for a crispy topping or serve it right from the stovetop, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the deliciously cheesy goodness and customize it to suit your taste!

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