Mac & Cheese

pasta
cheese
casserole

Hearty macaroni and cheese

Published

March 20, 2021

v 0.0.1

Ingredients

  • macaroni noodles - 16 ounces cooked just al-dente
  • 4 Tbsp butter
  • 4 Tbsp flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 10 oz (by weight) freshly shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Optional:
    • Cubed ham (1 cup) + 1 tsp of yellow mustard

Instructions

  • Cook 16 oz macaroni according to package directions.
  • In a large saucepan, melt 4 Tbsp butter.
  • Add 4 Tbsp flour, mixing until all butter is in the flour and “smooth”.
  • Gradually add 1 1/2 cups milk, making sure that all of the flour/butter mix is getting mixed into the milk.
  • Heat slowly until thickened.
  • Add 1/2 tsp garlic and onion powder.
  • With heat on low, stir in 10 oz freshly grated cheddar cheese until melted.
  • Add cheese sauce to drained macaroni.

If desired, bake in the oven at 350F for 30-45 minutes. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the macaroni, or this will get really, really mushy while in the oven.

Source: Modified from “taste of home, the Ultimate Comfort Food Cookbook”, copyright 2012