Junior Mac 'n Cheese Recipe

Prepare 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. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Drain the Pasta

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

Melt the Butter

In the same pot used for the pasta, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Add Flour

Once the butter is melted, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbly.

Add Milk

Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Add Cheese and Seasoning

Remove the pot from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper, 0.5 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 0.5 teaspoon of onion powder until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained macaroni back into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat all the pasta with the cheese sauce.

Prepare Topping (optional)

If you wish to add a topping, mix together 0.5 cup of breadcrumbs, 0.25 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 0.25 teaspoon of paprika in a small bowl.

Serve or Bake

You can serve the mac 'n cheese directly from the pot or transfer it to a baking dish. If baking, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), sprinkle the topping over the mac 'n cheese, and bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.