Homestyle Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni
• 3 cups (710ml) milk 3 cups (710ml) milk
• 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (200g) shredded Canadian cheddar cheese 2 cups (200g) shredded Canadian cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (100g) shredded Canadian mozzarella cheese 1 cup (100g) shredded Canadian mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 tsp mustard powder 1/2 tsp mustard powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika 1/4 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 13g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 6g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2.
   Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste.
4. 4.
   Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and comes to a simmer.
5. 5.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
6. 6.
   Add the mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the cheese sauce, and stir until well combined.
7. 7.
   Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
8. 8.
   Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Elbow macaroni — Cook the macaroni until al dente to ensure it retains a slight bite when baked.
• Canadian cheddar and mozzarella cheese — Use high-quality Canadian cheeses for the best flavor and texture.
• Mustard powder — The mustard powder adds a subtle tanginess to the sauce, enhancing the overall taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the mac and cheese before baking.
• Experiment with different types of Canadian cheeses, such as Gouda or Swiss, to add unique flavors to the dish.
• Add cooked bacon or sautéed onions for extra flavor and texture.
• To make it a complete meal, serve the mac and cheese with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Serving advice

Serve the Homestyle Mac and Cheese hot, straight from the oven, for the best taste and texture. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, transfer the mac and cheese to individual serving dishes or ramekins before baking. Top with a sprinkle of paprika or grated cheese for an appetizing look.