how to make white sauce for mac and cheese

Turn the heat off, and then cover with a lid. If the sauce looks wet/thin, don’t worry, the pasta absorbs some the extra moisture as it cools. When the sauce is smooth and velvety, stir in the cooked pasta. Turn the heat to low then stir in the cheddar and cream cheeses, salt, and black pepper. (The sauce only thickens after it has reached a simmer.) Continue to cook, constantly whisking until the sauce begins to simmer and thickens. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk the butter and flour together and around the pan until they smell toasted and look light brown 2 to 3 minutes.

Melt the butter in a large high-sided pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Serve this Homemade Caesar Salad on the side or try our Easy Coleslaw for some crunch.īring a large pot of salted water to the boil, add the pasta then follow package directions, but cook 1 minute less than the package calls for.

For a lighter take on pasta with cheese, try our Orzo Pasta with Tomatoes, Basil, and Parmesan or these Easy Buttered Noodles!.

Try our Creamy White Chicken Lasagna - Nothing says comfort to us like baked lasagna loaded with creamy sauce, chicken, and cheese.

This Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese swaps some of the cheese sauce for pumpkin puree.

Lighter Mac and Cheese: Swapping half of the cheese sauce for pureed cauliflower cuts calories and still tastes incredible. Smoked paprika is also delicious.īroccoli Mac and Cheese: A kid favorite! Stir roasted broccoli or steamed broccoli into the pot before serving. Spiced Macaroni and Cheese: Mustard (Dijon or mustard powder), nutmeg, and a pinch of cayenne pepper are classic additions to the cheese sauce. For more flavor, a bit of parmesan or pecorino cheese is lovely, and for a more adult dish, try blue cheese! Try easy melting Gruyere, Fontina or Monterey Jack.

Use a Variety of Cheeses: Cheddar isn’t the only cheese to use.

How to make white sauce for mac and cheese