Mac and Cheese Recipe - Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese

In this article, we will give information about how to make a mac and cheese recipe. So read this article till the end to know about the easy mac and cheese recipe.

Mac and Cheese Recipe is a classic comfort food loved by people of all ages. It’s a simple yet delicious recipe that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a hearty side dish. The dish consists of macaroni pasta and a creamy cheese sauce made from a mixture of cheeses and other ingredients. The cheese sauce is usually made from a roux, which is a mixture of butter and flour, and then mixed with milk and cheese. The macaroni is cooked and mixed with a cheese sauce before being baked in the oven until golden brown and bubbly. Not only is this dish easy to make, but it’s also customizable, allowing you to add your own spin to the classic recipe by adding additional ingredients such as bacon, breadcrumbs, or vegetables.

What are Mac and Cheese?

Mac and cheese, short for macaroni and cheese, is a popular dish made with macaroni pasta and a creamy cheese sauce. The dish typically consists of cooked elbow macaroni pasta mixed with a cheese sauce made from melted cheese, milk or cream, butter, and sometimes other ingredients such as flour or mustard. The cheese sauce is usually made by making a roux, which is a mixture of butter and flour, and then slowly adding milk or cream to make a smooth and creamy sauce. The cooked pasta is mixed with a cheese sauce and baked in the oven, sometimes with additional toppings such as breadcrumbs or bacon. Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food enjoyed by people of all ages and can be served as a main dish or side dish.

How to Make To Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients:

½ lb uncooked elbow macaroni, about 1 ½ cups
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 cup milk, any kind
3/4 cup half and half
2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and lightly grease a square baking dish.
Cook macaroni to al dente, according to package directions. Sieve and keep aside.
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, salt, and pepper and mix. Cook for 2 minutes.
Gradually add milk and half-and-half, stirring constantly, and cook over medium-low heat for a few minutes until the mixture is barely thickened. Remove from heat and add 1 cup shredded cheese, stirring until melted.
Add cooked macaroni noodles and toss to coat. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle ½ cup cheese on top. Add remaining pasta and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted on top.
Serve with your favorite vegetable or side salad.

Notes:

High-quality aged cheddar cheese will give you a stronger flavor and smoother texture. The milder and cheaper cheddar cheeses will have less flavor and an almost bitter taste.
Use freshly grated paneer. Pre-shredded store-bought cheese won’t melt the same way as freshly grated cheese, and grating the cheese helps it melt smoothly and evenly into the sauce.
Bring cheese to room temperature. before proceeding with the recipe, i like to grate the paneer first. Allowing it to sit at room temperature while I prepare the white sauce.
Use low heat. In order for the cheese to melt properly and smoothly, we want a gradual change in its temperature (like how we sliced it and let it come to room temperature at the beginning of the recipe). When it’s time to add the cheese to the white sauce, take the sauce off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. It should be just hot enough to melt the cheese.
Do not stir the sauce too much after the cheese has melted. Add the noodles and quickly assemble in the pan and put in the oven.

Nutrition:

Calories: 559kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 98mg
Sodium: 693mg
Potassium: 300mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Vitamin A: 1023IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 540mg
Iron: 1mg

Health Benefits Of Cheese

1. Can Improve Dental Health

Cheese is a rich source of calcium and can contribute to strong teeth. This can help reduce dental cavities. This can be attributed to the presence of casein phosphopeptides in cheese.
Chewing cheese can raise the pH level of the mouth and promote overall oral health.
Certain components in cheese can adhere to teeth and protect them from erosion. However, more scientific evidence is needed in this regard.

2. Can reverse high blood pressure

Sodium and cholesterol can cause high blood pressure. Low-sodium cheeses are available that can prevent blood pressure from rising.
Vitamin B present in paneer is also found useful in reducing high blood pressure.
Many types of paneer available in the market are high in cholesterol and sodium. So be careful while choosing paneer. Go for low-sodium cheese. Consuming foods rich in potassium levels can reduce high blood pressure by lowering blood pressure.

3. May promote weight gain

Cheese is high in natural fats that can promote weight gain. Some cheeses are low in fat which can help in keeping your body weight in balance.
Cheese contains fat, calcium, protein, and other vitamins and minerals that may promote muscle and bone health.

4. Provides Essential Fats

Cheese is rich in essential fatty acids, such as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Studies by Korea University and the University of Massachusetts have found that CLA has anticancer properties, inhibits the development of atherosclerosis, modulates immune responses, and reduces body weight while improving lean body mass.
Another study conducted by the University of Limerick found that essential fats found in dairy products such as cheese may have anti-inflammatory properties. They may also promote heart health.
Certain types of cheese may also contain omega-3 fatty acids that may protect against heart disease.

5. May Reduce the Risk of Cancer

Cheese contains conjugated linoleic acid and sphingolipids which play a very important role in cancer prevention (18). A study conducted by the University of Milan found that sphingolipids can prevent colon cancer in humans.
The calcium content in cottage cheese may help in the prevention of some types of cancer. A study conducted by the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center found that dietary calcium may be a promising candidate in the prevention of colorectal cancer.

6. Can help During Pregnancy

The calcium present in paneer is very good for pregnant women. It helps to stimulate contractions during labor. Calcium also fulfills the nutritional deficiency during lactation.
With all the essential vitamins and minerals required for the development of the fetus, paneer can be a good option for pregnant women.

7. Can improve the Immune System

Certain types of cheese are known to boost the functioning of the immune system. A mice study showed that a diet containing paneer can modulate immune and inflammatory responses in the body.
Cottage cheese rich in probiotic bacteria can boost immune health. It can also prevent immunosenescence (gradual weakening of the immune system) in the elderly.