{"id":"d5558882-57d1-4e10-9341-ba4343efeec7","url":"https://recipestripper.com/recipes/d5558882-57d1-4e10-9341-ba4343efeec7","source_url":"https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/homemade-mac-and-cheese/","title":"Mac and Cheese:","description":"Skip the box and make the best Mac and Cheese from scratch in just 30 minutes, with simple ingredients and foolproof tips for a perfectly smooth, creamy cheese sauce every time.","servings":5,"servings_text":"5","prep_time":"PT15M","cook_time":"PT15M","total_time":"PT30M","image_url":"https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Homemade-Mac-and-Cheese26-1.jpg","ingredients":[{"text":"1/2 lb uncooked elbow macaroni (*)","item":"uncooked elbow macaroni","quantity":0.5,"unit":"lb","preparation":"*"},{"text":"3 tablespoons butter","item":"butter","quantity":3,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour","item":"all-purpose flour","quantity":2,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"1/2 teaspoon salt","item":"salt","quantity":0.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper","item":"ground black pepper","quantity":0.125,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1 1/2 cups milk (, any kind)","item":"milk","quantity":1.5,"unit":"cup","preparation":", any kind"},{"text":"3/4 cup half and half","item":"half and half","quantity":0.75,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese*","item":"shredded cheddar cheese*","quantity":2.5,"unit":"cup"}],"instructions":[{"number":1,"text":"Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and lightly grease an 8' square (or similar size) baking dish."},{"number":2,"text":"Cook the macaroni to al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside."},{"number":3,"text":"Make the sauce: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Blend in the flour, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes. Slowly add the milk and half and half, stirring constantly, and cook over medium-low heat for a few minutes until the mixture has thickened like the consistency of gravy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded cheese, stirring just until melted."},{"number":4,"text":"Combine: Add the cooked macaroni noodles and toss to coat. Pour half or the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup cheese over the top. Add remaining pasta and sprinkle with remaining cheese."},{"number":5,"text":"Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted on top."}],"date_published":"2026-10-29T23:42:12.873681+00:00","date_modified":"2026-10-29T23:42:12.873681+00:00"}