How to Make the Best Macaroni and Cheese from Scratch

Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food that many of us grew to love during our childhood. While it can be found in boxed varieties, cooking it from scratch is a true test of culinary skills and provides a richer, more nuanced flavor that cannot be replicated. This detailed guide will walk you through the steps to create a classic, creamy, and delicious macaroni and cheese that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients Needed

For the Cheese Sauce:

1 gallon of milk 3 tablespoons of granulated onion 2 tablespoons of granulated garlic 1 tablespoon of mustard powder 1/2 pound of butter 3 cups of flour 3 pounds of cheddar cheese (sliced or shredded) Salt (2 teaspoons) White pepper (1 teaspoon) Paprika or bread crumbs

For the Macaroni:

2-2.5 pounds of dry macaroni 2-4 cups of milk or half-and-half (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by preparing the cheese sauce in a large stock pot. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce:

Pour 1 gallon of milk into the stock pot. Add 3 tablespoons of granulated onion, 2 tablespoons of granulated garlic, and 1 tablespoon of mustard powder. Stir to combine. Melt 1/2 pound of butter in a sauce pan. Gradually whisk 3 cups of flour into the melted butter in the sauce pan, stirring over low heat for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns golden brown. Pour the flour mixture into the stock pot with the milk and spices. Stir continuously as you bring the milk to a boil. Once boiling, add 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of white pepper. Allow the sauce to reduce until consistent. Scoop 3 pounds of cheddar cheese into the pot and stir vigorously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Cooking the Macaroni

While the cheese sauce is heating, prepare the macaroni:

Bring another large pot of water to a boil. Add 2-2.5 pounds of dry macaroni to the boiling water and stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Harmonize the pasta movement to avoid clumping. Undercook the macaroni slightly to preserve its al dente texture.

Mixing and Baking the Macaroni and Cheese

Once the sauce is ready, it’s time to mix it with the pasta:

Pour 2-4 cups of milk or half-and-half (optional) into a pan with the cheese sauce and whisk continuously until the mixture is well combined. Transfer the macaroni to a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over it, ensuring that the pasta is covered but not swimming in sauce. Top the pasta with a sprinkle of paprika or bread crumbs. Bake the macaroni and cheese at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes, until it begins to bubble and feels warm to the touch. Allow the macaroni and cheese to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

If you followed these steps carefully, you should end up with a very moist, creamy, and delicious macaroni and cheese. It’s worth the effort to make this from scratch, as it truly elevates the dish to new heights compared to store-bought alternatives.

Conclusion

While finding a recipe online is easy, the satisfaction and flavor of homemade macaroni and cheese are unparalleled. With these step-by-step instructions, you can create a dish that will make your taste buds sing. So, gather your ingredients, follow the recipe, and enjoy the process and the delicious result!