Homemade Macaroni and Cheese - the Easiest and Tastiest Microwave Recipe

After trying several recipes and variations, the following recipe is my favorite homemade mac and cheese. Incidentally, it's also the easiest and fastest recipe, because it is mostly made in the microwave. The original recipe is here.


To me, it tastes the most like the boxed version, but reheats much better. Enjoy!


INGREDIENTS
1 cup elbow macaroni (or other similar pasta)
1 cup milk
3 Tbsp flour
2 Tbsp butter
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (extra sharp is the best)
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste


DIRECTIONS
To cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.


To cook cheese sauce: In a large microwave-safe bowl, mix milk and flour with a dash of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and there are no lumps. Add butter and cheese and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Remove from microwave and whisk until smooth. Return to microwave for an additional 3 to 5 minutes and again whisk until smooth. Add cooked macaroni to bowl. Stir until coated and serve with fresh pepper.

VARIATIONS
If a cheesy crust is desired, after the mixture is combined, sprinkle another 1/3 cup of Cheddar on top of oven-safe dish, broil until cheese is golden-brown and bubbly. Serve.


You can also add ham or salami, chopped or diced roma tomatoes. Add at the same time as pasta. Be sure to watch the mixture as it microwaves and whisk thoroughly. Do not over-microwave.


(You will love this easy recipe).