Cafeteria Macaroni & Cheese
Cafeteria Macaroni & Cheese is a classic comfort food recipe featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Easy to prepare with simple pantry staples, this nostalgic dish offers a warm, cheesy experience perfect as a side or main course. Customizable with mix-ins or toppings, it’s a timeless meal loved by all ages.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs)
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni & Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Topping
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and turns golden, ensuring the flour taste cooks out.
- Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens to a creamy sauce consistency.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until every noodle is luxuriously coated.
- Optional Baking: Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy, adding extra texture.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Cook the roux properly to ensure a silky, lump-free sauce.
- Add milk gradually while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Serve immediately for optimal creaminess.
- Customize the cheese blend to enhance flavor depth, maintaining a cheddar base.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: macaroni and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, easy side dish, cafeteria style mac and cheese, kid-friendly recipe, creamy cheese sauce
Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/cafeteria-macaroni-cheese/