Simple Mac and Cheese

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1/2 pound chedda cheese, cubed
• 1 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) for topping

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Boil the macaroni according to package instructions in a large pot of salted water. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir to form a smooth paste.
4. Slowly pour the milk into the saucepan, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickened. This is the white sauce.
5. Add the cubed chedda cheese to the white sauce and stir until fully melted. Season with salt and black pepper.
6. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and mix well.
7. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
9. Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve.

Nutritional Information:

(Based on provided ingredients)

• Calories: Approx. 450 per serving (based on 8 servings)
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 18g

Dish Characteristics:

• Comfort food classic with a rich and creamy cheese sauce.
• Easy to customize with different types of cheese and additional ingredients like bacon bits or diced ham.
• Great for all ages and occasions.

User Comments:

1. "This is exactly how I remember mac and cheese from childhood!"
2. "The cheese sauce was so creamy and delicious!"
3. "Added some diced ham for extra flavor, turned out great!"
4. "Baked it for a family gathering, everyone loved it!"
5. "Easy to make and a great dish for a weekend treat."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use full-fat milk for a richer cheese sauce.
• Be careful not to overcook the macaroni, as it can become mushy.
• Adjust seasoning according to preference, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
• For a more decadent version, add a sprinkle of nutmeg to the cheese sauce for a hint of warmth.