Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsSouthern Food CompanyMac & Cheese Recipe

Mac & Cheese Recipe

Time30m
Serves4

Creamy cheese sauce on pasta

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Ingredients

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Pasta

Method

Pasta Preparation

  1. 1

    Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes.

  2. 2

    Drain the Pasta

    Once cooked, drain the macaroni in a colander and set aside.

Cheese Sauce Preparation

  1. 3

    Melt the Butter

    In the same pot used to cook the pasta, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

  2. 4

    Make the Roux

    Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is golden and bubbly.

  3. 5

    Add Milk

    Gradually add 2 cups of milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.

  4. 6

    Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings

    Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of mustard powder. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combining

  1. 7

    Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add the drained macaroni back into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir gently until all the pasta is coated with the creamy cheese sauce.

  2. 8

    Serve

    Serve hot, optionally garnished with additional shredded cheese or breadcrumbs on top.

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