Ingredients:
-1 pound elbow macaroni
-4 tablespoons butter
-3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
-1 teaspoon salt
-3 cups milk
-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
-1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the flour and salt and whisk until combined.
5. Gradually add the milk and whisk until the mixture is smooth.
6. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a low boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.
7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until fully melted.
8. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until combined.
9. Pour the macaroni and cheese into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Serve and enjoy!
Serving size: 8 servings
A Brief History: Macaroni and cheese has a long and storied history throughout North America as a popular comfort food dish. It was first recorded in North America in 1802 by a woman named Mary Randolph in her cookbook, The Virginia Housewife. Since then it has become popular in many countries around the world, and is especially popular in the United States.
Tips:
1. Use high quality and flavorful cheese for the best flavor.
2. Cook the macaroni until it is al dente for a perfect texture.
3. Add seasonings for depth, like garlic or herbs.
4. Precook the cheese sauce to ensure a creamy, smooth result.
Techniques:
1. Precooking the cheese sauce is key. Begin by melting butter in a pot and adding flour to create a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and seasonings, stirring until the sauce has thickened. Then add the grated cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is nice and creamy.
2. Cook the macaroni until it is al dente, or slightly undercooked. Drain the cooked macaroni, then pour it into a baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and stir until everything is combined.
3. If desired, top with a variety of ingredients like bread crumbs, bacon, or herbs. Bake in the oven until the top is golden and bubbling. Let the macaroni and cheese cool before serving.