This is a basic macaroni and cheese recipe with creamy béchamel sauce (white sauce). Mac ‘n’ Cheese is a classic American favorite pasta dish which is ever so simple, quick and has an amazingly rich, cheesy sauce. Everyone is familiar with it and is loved so very much. It is a great comfort food for children and adults who are not fond of spicy food. It can be served soft and creamy straight from the stove top or baked until the crust is crunchy.
This is also a very flexible recipe where you can use up leftovers or even use up assorted veggies from your fridge. I prepare Mac ‘n’ Cheese whenever I am not in a mood to prepare an elaborate meal or I am too tired and want something to eat in a hurry. My family is always excited when I make this yummy, cheesy, creamy delight. This is an excellent no fuss meal for bachelors and working people too.
Try this ultimate treat with loads of cheese if you prefer. A true comfort food which will never fail you at lunch or dinner and a very satisfying meal in a bowl especially when it is homemade because with just a few ingredients you can make it special and unique by adding your very own personal touch. If you are away from home then it will definitely remind you of the warm comforting meals at home! 🙂
Ingredients :
- 100 gms. elbow Macaroni (boil till tender, pass through water & drain completely)
- 1 cup Milk
- 30 gms. Butter
- 25 gms. Maida/ All Purpose Flour (sieved0
- 100 gms. grated, Mixed Cheese (I used processed Cheddar & Mozarella)
- 2 tbsps. dry Mixed Italian Herbs or favorite mix (optional)
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Topping :
- 2 tbsps. Butter
- 3 tbsps. Bread Crumbs
For the Bechamel Sauce/ White Sauce :
Heat butter preferably in a non-stick saucepan until just melted. Add sieved maida and sauté on low heat for a few seconds until rawness disappears. Gradually add milk and stir with a whisk or a wooden spoon until smooth. The mixture should be free of lumps. Cook gently, stirring all the time, till the sauce is thick & lightly coats the back of a spoon. Stir in half the cheese, herbs, salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
It’s time to assemble the layers..
Lightly butter a baking casserole.
Arrange in alternate layers of macaroni and white sauce.
Top with the remainder of grated cheese.
Sprinkle bread crumbs. Dot with some more butter if you like or toss bread crumbs in melted butter and spread evenly on top of the assembled macaroni.
Bake in a pre-heated oven at 200 C. for about 20 mins. or until it is bubbly and golden brown on the top.
Let the macaroni and cheese casserole rest for about 5-7 mins. before serving.
Serve hot. Enjoy with ketchup if you like.
Variation :
Minced meat, boiled and flaked chicken or fish, boiled and finely chopped or grated vegetables or eggs can be added in layers if you prefer.
