Macaroni is a versatile and popular pasta shape that can be cooked into variety of dishes. If you are looking for best way to cook macaroni and cheese on internet, I think that you are right place. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook mac and cheese in 2 different ways.
1. Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, or a combination)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Optional toppings: breadcrumbs, chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives), cooked bacon bits
Instructions
Cook the macaroni or pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux. Cook until the mixture turns slightly golden.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to combine the roux and milk. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, paprika (if using), and garlic powder (if using). Adjust the quantities to taste.
Add the cooked macaroni or pasta to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
If desired, you can also sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy texture or garnish with chopped fresh herbs or cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, or a combination)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: breadcrumbs, chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives), cooked bacon bits
Instructions
Cook the macaroni or pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan or pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux. Cook until the mixture turns slightly golden.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to combine the roux and milk. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper, adjusting the quantities to taste.
Add the cooked macaroni or pasta to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
Continue cooking over low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Remove the pot from the heat and let the mac and cheese rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Serve the creamy stovetop mac and cheese in bowls or plates. If desired, you can top it with breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture or garnish with chopped fresh herbs or cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.
Now, you know how to cook mac and cheese in 2 different ways. I hope that after reading this article, you can enjoy the gooey goodness of macaroni spaghetti with cheese and you’ll be a master of cooking macaroni
