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Mac and Cheese
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5 from 5 votes

Mac and Cheese

You've probably had this popular side dish at many restaurants but now you can make this quick & easy Mac and Cheese pasta recipe at home!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Passive time0 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Francine Lizotte
Course: Main Course, Vegetables & Sides
Cuisine: British, International
Keyword Kids Recipes, Light Meal, Pasta, Quick & Easy

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. clarified butter tips & tricks
  • 1 cup white onions, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups cold milk, divided
  • 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1/8 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg, or to taste
  • 2 cups good quality sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups good quality Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 lb. dried uncooked elbow macaroni Footnote
  • 1/2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped tips & tricks

Directions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook according to the directions; drain well and set aside.
  • In a large deep skillet over medium heat, add clarified butter. When it gets hot, add onions and sauté until translucent about 3 minutes.
  • Add flour and stir well making sure the onions are coated. Cook onion/flour mixture for a few minutes, about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Pour in 1 cup cold milk and stir until smooth. Add the remaining 2 cups of milk, stir well and then add mustard, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and nutmeg; stir again.
  • Whisk in the two cheeses until melted; taste and adjust if necessary.
  • Add cooked and drained macaroni and gently combine into the cheese mixture. Turn up the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
  • When ready to serve, sprinkle on some fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Footnote: I don't show how to cook macaroni in the video so please just follow the instructions on the package.