Ingredients:
- 1 pound of elbow macaroni
- 4 cups of whole milk
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of dry mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 8 oz of sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 8 oz of Gouda cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour, dry mustard powder, salt and pepper. Cook, whisking constantly, for 2-3 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
- Gradually add the hot milk to the butter mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook, whisking constantly, for 2-3 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar and Gouda cheese until they are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the macaroni is evenly coated.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the macaroni and cheese is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Classic American macaroni and cheese is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. The key to making a great macaroni and cheese is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the sauce properly.
The macaroni should be cooked al dente, this way it will hold its shape and won’t turn mushy while baking.
The cheese sauce should be smooth and creamy, and it should be made with a combination of sharp cheddar cheese and Gouda cheese. These cheeses will give the macaroni and cheese a nice depth of flavor and a rich, creamy texture.
The sauce should be thickened with flour and butter, known as a roux. This will give the macaroni and cheese a rich and smooth texture.
If desired, you can top your macaroni and cheese with breadcrumbs for a nice crunchy texture.
In conclusion, Classic American macaroni and cheese is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make and it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy your homemade macaroni and cheese!