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Traditional Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
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5 from 1 vote

Traditional Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

This delicious, made-from-scratch traditional macaroni and cheese recipe is ready in three simple steps and 20 minutes!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 526kcal
Author: Andrea

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups noodles (cavatappi, fusilli, shells, elbows)
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese grated
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/8 tsp ground mustard
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup ham thick cup, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  • In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente (cut cooking time about 1 minute short). Turn heat off, remove from stovetop, drain water and return noodles back to the pot. Set aside.
  • To make the cheese sauce, melt butter in a small pot over medium heat. Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisk to combine. Allow mixture to come to a simmer. Stir in mustard, pepper, salt and ham. Meanwhile, grate cheese and toss with the cornstarch.
  • Reduce mixture heat to medium-low. Begin to sprinkle in cheese, whisk until smooth. Pour in pasta and toss to coat evenly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 526kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 629mg | Potassium: 239mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1035IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 480mg | Iron: 1mg