Macaroni and Cheese
Here’s a delicious recipe for Macaroni and Cheese, a beloved comfort food for many Americans:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
Instructions:
- Cook the Macaroni: In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until golden. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Add Cheeses: Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy and cheesy macaroni!
Tips:
- Additions: Consider adding cooked bacon, broccoli, or tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve.