Ingredients: - **8 oz elbow macaroni** (about 2 cups) - **2 tbsp butter** - **2 tbsp all-purpose flour** - **2 cups whole milk** (or half-and-half for a creamier texture) - **1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese** - **½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese** (optional, for extra creaminess) - **1 tsp Dijon mustard** (optional, adds a nice tang) - **Salt and pepper to taste** - **¼ tsp garlic powder** (optional) - **¼ tsp onion powder** (optional) - **1 tbsp butter (for topping)** - **1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)** ### Instructions: 1. **Cook the pasta:** - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions, about 7-8 minutes, until al dente. - Drain the pasta and set aside. 2. **Make the cheese sauce:** - In the same pot or a separate saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. - Once the butter has melted, add the flour and whisk for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture (roux) turns slightly golden. - Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens. - Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese (and mozzarella if using), stirring until fully melted and smooth. - Stir in the Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Keep the sauce on low heat, stirring occasionally. 3. **Combine pasta and cheese sauce:** - Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta completely. 4. **Optional crispy topping (for baked mac and cheese):** - If you'd like a crispy topping, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and mix with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the mac and cheese. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. 5. **Serve:** - Serve the mac and cheese hot, topped with a little extra pepper or herbs if desired! Enjoy your creamy, homemade mac and cheese! chicken wing chicken wing hot dogs and macaroni (I used to listen to lankybox before he was brainrot)
credits to gif
