Secret Ingredient Mac n’ Cheese

Mac n’ cheese is one of my top comfort foods and it’s something that pretty much always sounds appealing. Whether it’s homemade or a box of Annie’s, I don’t discriminate. I love it all.

I think some people get intimidated by homemade mac n’ cheese because of the roux, but it’s really quite simple. I do recommend that you buy blocks of cheese and shred them yourself to ensure the cheese melts properly. This is a meal that comes together in under 20 minutes. Here’s my go to recipe.

Ingredients

  • 16 oz of your favorite pasta (I like shells, elbows, or rotini)
  • 2 generous cups of shredded cheese (I used a mix of cheddar and pepper jack)
  • 2 T of butter
  • 2 T of flour
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 3-4 T of queso (the secret ingredient!)

Directions

  • Fill a large pot half way with water and set on high heat to boil.
  • While waiting on the water, shred your cheese.
  • When the water comes to a boil, add the macaroni and cook based on the box directions.
  • While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium low heat.
  • Whisk in the flour until well incorporated and the lumps are gone. This creates the roux mixture which will thicken the cheese sauce.
  • Whisk in the milk and allow to heat through for several minutes, but don’t allow it to boil.
  • Once the milk is thoroughly warmed through, add the cheese a handful at a time, stirring until it melts.
  • Once all of the cheese is incorporated, stir in the queso. This is optional, but I think it adds so much flavor!
  • When the pasta is done, strain it and return it to the pot.
  • Mix the cheese sauce into the pasta and enjoy!

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