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Creamy Mac and Cheese

Easy Creamy Mac and Cheese (Family Favourite)

This easy creamy mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food the whole family will love. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it's rich, cheesy and quick to make on a busy weeknight. This is definitely one to try, and then repeat over and over.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 5 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g Macaroni Pasta
  • 2 Cups Milk
  • 1 1/2 Cups Cheddar Cheese
  • 2 Tbsp Butter
  • 2 Tbsp Plain Flour
  • Salt & Pepper
  • 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 Tsp Mustard Powder
  • 1/4 Tsp Paprika
  • Cheese Additional handful for topping

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta - Cook macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the Roux - Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour until smooth. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
  3. Add milk slowly - Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
  4. Add cheese & seasonings - Reduce heat and stir in cheese until fully melted and creamy. Then add mustard powder, garlic powder and paprika, mixing well.
  5. Combine well. Mix pasta through the cheese sauce until fully coated.
  6. Optional Bake - Pour into a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until golden and bubbling.

Notes

You can swap cheddar for mozzarella or a mixed cheese blend depending on what you have on hand. For best results, use freshly grated cheese as it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties. Don't overcook the pasta as it will continue to soften in the cheese sauce. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. This is a great budget-friendly meal and a perfect way to use up leftover cheese in the fridge.