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the best mac and cheese

mac and cheese
[category] Main Course, Side Dish
[published] December 8, 2022
[PREP] 15 minutes
[COOK] 30 minutes
[TOTAL] 45 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 8 oz macaroni
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs optional
  • 1/2 cup crushed ritz crackers optional
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted optional

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
  2. Add butter to a large pan over medium heat. When it has melted, add flour and whisk together until a thick paste forms. Slowly add the milk, whisking as you add. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
  3. Cook the mixture down until it has thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Add all the spices and whisk until fully incorporated. Turn the heat to low, add shredded cheese and stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
  4. Add the cooked pasta and stir until fully coated. If you are not baking the mac and cheese, you are done here -- enjoy while it is hot!
  5. If you are baking the mac and cheese, preheat the oven to 350 F. Add panko breadcrumbs and crushed ritz crackers to a small bowl. Add melted butter and stir to combine.
  6. Transfer the pasta to a baking dish and top with the panko/cracker mixture. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the topping is starting to brown. Enjoy!