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Creamy Ultimate Mac and Cheese Recipe Easy Homemade Sharp Cheddar Delight

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A rich and creamy mac and cheese made with sharp cheddar cheese for a bold, tangy flavor. This quick and easy recipe delivers indulgent comfort food perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 12 oz / 340 g)
  • 2 oz (55 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 4 quarts / 3.8 liters). Add elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Whisk in all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until light golden and nutty smelling.
  3. Slowly pour in whole milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Add shredded sharp cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese in batches, stirring gently until melted and silky.
  5. Stir in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and fold gently to coat evenly.
  7. Optional: Transfer mac and cheese to a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the surface and broil on high for 3-5 minutes until golden and crisp.
  8. Let the mac and cheese sit for a couple of minutes before serving to thicken slightly.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; it will finish cooking in the sauce. Whisk milk gradually to avoid lumps. Melt cheese over medium-low heat to prevent clumping or stringiness. For a crispy topping, toast breadcrumbs lightly in butter before sprinkling. Adjust thickness of sauce by adding milk if too thick or cooking longer if too thin.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, sharp cheddar, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, homemade mac and cheese

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/creamy-ultimate-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-homemade-sharp-cheddar-delight/