Homestyle Creamy Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Upgrade (Print Version)

Homestyle Creamy Mac and Cheese gets a delicious upgrade! This recipe brings velvety sauce, rich cheeses, and pure comfort to your table. Easy and satisfying.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Pantry Staples

01 - 1 lb elbow macaroni
02 - 4 cups whole milk
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
04 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

→ Cheese Blend

05 - 2 cups (8 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
06 - 1 cup (4 oz) Gruyère cheese, freshly grated

→ Flavor Boosters

07 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
08 - 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

→ Seasonings

09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that pasta cooking. Grab a big pot, fill it with water, and don't forget to salt it generously – like the sea! I always forget this step, honestly, and then my pasta tastes a little… flat. Bring it to a rolling boil, then toss in your elbow macaroni. Cook it according to package directions, but aim for al dente. We want it to have a little bite since it'll finish cooking in our luscious Homestyle Creamy Mac and Cheese sauce. Drain it well and set it aside, maybe toss it with a tiny bit of butter to keep it from sticking, if you're feeling fancy.
02 - Now for the foundation of our amazing sauce! In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven, melt your unsalted butter over medium heat. Watch it closely, you don't want it to brown too much. Once it's completely melted and shimmering, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour. Whisk, whisk, whisk! Keep stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and smells a little nutty, like popcorn. This is your roux, the thickening agent for our delicious sauce! Don't rush this part; a properly cooked roux prevents a floury taste.
03 - Gradually, and I mean <em>gradually</em>, pour in the whole milk, whisking continuously. This is where patience is key, hon. If you dump it all in at once, you'll get lumps, and nobody wants lumpy cheese sauce! Keep whisking as the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer. It should start to coat the back of a spoon. I swear, the smell at this point is just divine, a promise of the deliciousness to come. Keep stirring to prevent scorching on the bottom.
04 - Once your sauce is nice and thick, it's time to add those flavor powerhouses! Take the pan off the heat – this is important to prevent the cheese from seizing. Stir in the Dijon mustard and that tiny pinch of nutmeg. Give it a good whisk to combine everything. This little combo, honestly, it just elevates the whole dish. It's those subtle notes that make this recipe truly special.
05 - Now for the best part! Add your grated sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses to the warm sauce. Stir gently until all the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth, glossy, and utterly irresistible. Taste it now – this is your chance to adjust the salt and pepper. I usually add a good crack of black pepper here. Remember, cheese is salty, so go easy on the added salt at first. You'll see it transform into this beautiful, golden, bubbling goodness, making this Creamy Mac and Cheese truly special.
06 - Finally, it’s time to bring it all together! Gently fold your cooked macaroni into the glorious cheese sauce. Make sure every single noodle is coated in that dreamy, cheesy goodness. You can serve it straight from the pot, or if you're feeling a little extra, transfer it to a baking dish, sprinkle with some breadcrumbs, and bake it until bubbly and golden. Honestly, seeing that golden crust on top? Chef's kiss! This Homestyle Creamy Mac and Cheese is ready to make some happy faces.

# Notes:

01 - Always grate your own cheese for the smoothest sauce, pre-shredded has anti-caking agents.
02 - For reheating leftovers, gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
03 - Try adding a little smoked gouda to the cheese blend for an extra layer of flavor.
04 - Serve with a simple green salad to cut through the richness, or with crispy baked chicken for a hearty meal.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot
02 - heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven
03 - whisk
04 - cheese grater

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 550-650
Total Fat: 35-45g
Total Carbohydrate: 40-50g
Protein: 20-25g

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