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–+ servings
Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

macaroni and cheese recipe: indulgent comfort with turkey bacon

Indulge in comfort food with my scrumptious macaroni and cheese recipe! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with perfectly cooked pasta, it's the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 701 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • large skillet
  • whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 4 quarts water
  • 4 teaspoons kosher salt divided
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard, optional
  • 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Stir in 1 tablespoon of salt until dissolved. Add the pasta and stir to prevent sticking. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 7 to 9 minutes. Drain in a colander.
  • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and nutmeg (if using). Cook, constantly whisking, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Whisk in the mustard (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, whisking until thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Take the pot off the heat and slowly whisk in cheddar cheese until completely melted.
  • Add pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir to coat evenly. Serve while still hot.

Notes

Using Dry Mustard: Substitute 1 teaspoon of dry mustard for 1 tablespoon of Dijon or yellow mustard. Using Whole Milk: For a slightly less creamy sauce, use 5 cups of whole milk and omit the heavy whipping cream. Storing: Store in an airtight container in a refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 701kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 26gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 25gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 124mgSodium: 765mgPotassium: 392mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1423IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 601mgIron: 1mg
Keyword cheesy, comfort food, crowd-pleaser, indulgent, Macaroni and Cheese Recipe, pasta
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