mother's mac and cheese (sallye)

Austin, TX
Updated on Oct 22, 2015

Another recipe from my mother's recipe box. It is a very basic recipe and I have added some options to "jazz it up" a tad. A tasty, comforting dish on a cool gloomy evening.

prep time 10 Min
cook time 10 Min
method Stove Top
yield 4-6 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces small elbow or rotini macaroni
  • 1/4 pound (1 stick) butter
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 8 ounces milk
  • 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese***
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)***
  • 1/4 cup parsley flakes (optional***

How To Make mother's mac and cheese (sallye)

  • Step 1
    ***Mother's recipe called for mild cheddar cheese, but we prefer sharp. I added the garlic powder and parsley as options.
  • Step 2
    Cook pasta according to package directions, EXCEPT ABOUT 2 MINUTES LESS, just until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Step 3
    Place a heavy dutch oven or large saucepan over medium heat, and add butter.
  • Step 4
    When butter is melted, add flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to saucepan, stirring continuously with wooden spoon until roux is a light tan color. This will take about 4-5 minutes
  • Step 5
    Slowly whisk in milk, again stirring continuously until mixture is thickened, this will take about 2-3 minutes. Add in parsley at this time.
  • Step 6
    Reduce heat to low (a bare simmer) and add cheese. Whisk vigorously to combine cheese until it is fully melted and a smooth sauce.
  • Step 7
    Pour cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and stir until pasta is evenly coated with cheese mixture.
  • Step 8
    If sauce becomes too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Step 9
    You can add cooked broccoli florets to this basic recipe to make a wonderful alternate side dish.
  • Step 10
    Best if served while still warm.

Discover More

Category: Pasta
Category: Pasta Sides
Ingredient: Pasta
Culture: Southern
Method: Stove Top

Comment & Reviews

ADVERTISEMENT
Just A Pinch Sweepstakes