Name: Basic Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 lb. elbow macaroni or other short pasta; 1 tbsp. olive oil; 1 medium onion; Kosher salt and pepper; 1 clove garlic; 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 c. whole milk; 4 oz. low-fat cream cheese; 1/4 tsp. freshly grated or ground nutmeg; tsp. cayenne; 8 oz. extra-sharp Cheddar; 8 oz. Gruyère

Step 1Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Oil a shallow 3-quart baking dish or six 2-cup ramekins. Cook the pasta according to package directions.

Step 2Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onion, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until very tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

Step 3Whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer. Whisk in the cream cheese, nutmeg, and cayenne until blended. Stir in the Cheddar and Gruyère and simmer, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted and the mixture is slightly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 4Toss the pasta with the cheese sauce and transfer to the prepared baking dish. Bake until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes.

Basic Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

Directions

Recipe Headquarters