I love macaroni and cheese. Not the boxed stuff, but the real, cheesy, fattening, oh-so-bad for you versions served in restaurants. For years I’ve wanted to try making my own but was always so intimidated by it for some reason.
I couldn’t have been more surprised when I realized how easy it was to make from scratch. Seriously, why do I fear some recipes so much?
While this version was tasty, I think I want to try a mixture of cheeses next time. Just writing up this post and seeing the pictures again has me craving it and ready to make some more.
Macaroni and Cheese {via The Pioneer Woman}
Ingredients
- 4 cups Dried Macaroni
- 1 whole Egg Beaten
- 1/4 cup (1/2 Stick Or 4 Tablespoons) Butter
- 1/4 cup All-purpose Flour
- 2-1/2 cups Whole Milk
- 2 teaspoons Dry Mustard, Note: I will NOT add this next time
- 1 pound Cheese, Grated
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt, More To Taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Seasoned Salt, More To Taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- Optional Spices: Cayenne Pepper, Paprika, Thyme
Directions
Cook macaroni until very firm. Macaroni should be too firm to eat right out of the pot. Drain.
In a small bowl, beat egg.
In a large pot, melt butter and sprinkle in flour. Whisk together over medium-low heat. Cook mixture for five minutes, whisking constantly. Don’t let it burn.
Pour in milk, add mustard, and whisk until smooth. Cook for five minutes until very thick. Reduce heat to low.
Take 1/4 cup of the sauce and slowly pour it into beaten egg, whisking constantly to avoid cooking eggs. Whisk together till smooth.
Pour egg mixture into sauce, whisking constantly. Stir until smooth.
Add in cheese and stir to melt.
Add salt and pepper. Taste sauce and add more salt and seasoned salt as needed! DO NOT UNDERSALT.
Pour in drained, cooked macaroni and stir to combine.
Serve immediately (very creamy) or pour into a buttered baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
I used to make Mac and Cheese a LOT when I was younger. It was quick, easy and I didn’t have to worry about that pesky healthy eating thing. Now I can’t even look at it without gaining weight! So, I’ll just look and drool from afar. Yum.
Looks really nice and congratulations to you and your family on your gorgeous little girl, im sure she will bring you so much happiness.
MasyaAllah! This look yummy 😉 you make my tummy go hungry at 2.00 am in the morning. Yup. It’s 2.00 am in Malaysia. Just finished breast feeding my son 😉 can’t go back to sleep immediately so have your blog as my accompany 🙂