Classic Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese come in endless variations. That may seem like a stretch, but consider the possibilities, from the shape of the pasta to the combination of cheeses. The addition of meats and vegetables adds even more variation while making it a one pot meal. There are so many possibilities, but the most popular way to make macaroni and cheese simply combines elbow macaroni, bechamel and cheddar cheese. That’s an Italian noodle, a French sauce, and an English cheese. This unique combination of foods somehow results in a delicious dish, one that has become an enduring popular and familiar comfort food. The recipe below will tell you how to make a classic mac and cheese.

This recipe can be made entirely on the stovetop or in the oven. If you choose the latter route, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Or if you just want the top to be golden and crispy, put it under the broiler for a few minutes.

Ingredients:

-half pound elbow macaroni

-4 tablespoons or half a stick of butter

-4 tablespoons of flour

-2 cups of warm milk

-salt and other condiments

-2 or more cups of cheddar cheese

-topping of your choice

one. cook the pasta. Bring a pot of water to a boil on the stove. Salt the water until it is as salty as the sea. Add the macaroni, bring the water back to a boil and cook for the time indicated on the package. Drain the pasta and reserve.

two. make a bechamel, also known as white sauce. This starts with a roux, which is equal parts fat and flour. First, melt the butter. Then sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly to prevent the roux from burning. To turn this paste into a white sauce, pour in the warm milk and keep stirring. Add the seasonings of your choice. This could be onion powder, herbs, spices, hot sauce, mustard, or Worcestershire sauce.

3. add the cheese when sauce bubbles and thickens, and stir until cheese is incorporated. Turn off the heat, add the pasta to the pot and stir to combine. You can now serve it as is or continue cooking in the oven.

To bake, pour the pasta into a greased casserole dish and top with extra cheese, breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, chips, or any other topping of your choice. Put it in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes.

roast, place pan filled with mac and cheese under broiler until top is golden brown.