Making homemade macaroni is a fun and rewarding process! Here’s a basic recipe for making macaroni from scratch, including the pasta and a simple cheese sauce.
Homemade Macaroni Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
- On a clean surface, make a mound with the flour and create a well in the center.
- Crack the eggs into the well and add the salt and olive oil.
- Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs until the mixture becomes too stiff to mix with a fork.
- Knead the dough with your hands for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a small amount of water.
Roll Out the Dough:
- Divide the dough into smaller portions for easier handling.
- On a floured surface, roll out each portion as thin as possible. If you have a pasta machine, use it to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
Cut the Macaroni:
- Roll the dough loosely and slice it into thin strips.
- Cut the strips into short pieces to form the macaroni shape. You can use a knife or a pasta cutter for this.
Cook the Macaroni:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the freshly cut macaroni and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until al dente. Fresh pasta cooks faster than dried pasta, so keep an eye on it.
- Drain and set aside.
Simple Cheese Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (preferably whole milk)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar is a good choice, but you can use your favorite cheese)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions:
Make the Roux:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. It should be smooth and have a slightly nutty aroma.
Add the Milk:
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble.
Add the Cheese:
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheese to the sauce.
- Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if desired.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Cook for a few more minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
Optional: Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Topping: Mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter. You can also add a bit of extra cheese to the topping if desired.
- Bake: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a baking dish, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly on top, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Enjoy your homemade macaroni and cheese! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, spices, and add-ins like cooked bacon, vegetables, or even a bit of hot sauce.