Description
Dive into a bowl of Monster Mac and Cheese, where creamy pasta meets a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. This delightful dish not only warms your heart but also brings friends and family together for unforgettable moments. Perfect for movie nights or cozy family dinners, this crowd-pleaser is customizable with your favorite toppings. Get ready to indulge in cheesy perfection that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 2. Create the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Whisk in flour until golden brown (about 1 minute).
- 3. Add Milk: Gradually pour in milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until slightly thickened (3-5 minutes), then reduce heat.
- 4. Melt the Cheeses: Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and creamy.
- 5. Combine: Gently mix cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until well-coated.
- 6. Bake (optional): For extra crispiness, transfer to a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg