Hey, Welcome to the Mac and Cheese Roux Recipe. Mac and Cheese Roux is the creamy, cheesy base that makes this comfort food irresistibly rich and smooth.
If you’ve ever had a perfectly creamy mac and cheese, you already know how the roux makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
I wanted to recreate that at home, and guess what? I nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to make this delightful recipe right in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American
Category: Main Course
History and Origin
I’ve always been fascinated by how mac and cheese became a classic comfort dish. The roux itself comes from France and is used to thicken sauces.
Over time, it met cheese in England, then traveled to America. I love knowing this creamy tradition connects us to centuries of delicious food history. By the way, you can also try the Biscuit Salami – Romanian Salam de Biscuiti Recipe.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Mac and Cheese Roux Recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 4 tablespoons |
| Whole milk | 3 cups |
| Cheddar cheese | 2 cups, shredded |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Paprika (optional) | 1/4 teaspoon |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Creamy Mac and Cheese Roux Recipe:
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
- Mixing bowl
How to Make Mac and Cheese Roux Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Place a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt completely without browning.
Step 2: Add the Flour
Sprinkle in the flour. Stir constantly for about 1–2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and loses the raw flour smell.
Step 3: Pour in the Milk
Slowly add milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to stir the mixture until it becomes a thick, creamy sauce.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Turn the heat to low. Add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and the cheese has melted.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Your mac and cheese roux is now ready to mix with cooked pasta.
Recipe Card
Mac and Cheese Roux Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt completely without browning.
- Sprinkle in the flour. Stir constantly for about 1–2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and loses the raw flour smell.
- Slowly add milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to stir the mixture until it becomes a thick, creamy sauce.
- Turn the heat to low. Add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and the cheese has melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Your mac and cheese roux is now ready to mix with cooked pasta.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Simple Mac and Cheese Sauce Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Sugar | 5g |
Serving Suggestions
When I make mac and cheese roux, I love pouring it over freshly cooked pasta right away. You can pair it with crispy fried chicken, garlic bread, or a fresh salad.
I also enjoy adding veggies like broccoli for a twist. At your table, how would you serve it?
Storage Tips
If you have leftover roux, don’t worry. I keep mine in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays fresh for three days.
When reheating, I always add a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess. It tastes exactly as nice the second time, I promise!
Conclusion
I loved walking you through this mac and cheese roux recipe. It’s tasty, creamy, and quite simple to prepare. I can’t wait for you to try it and share your delicious results with friends.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I prevent lumps in the roux?
Add milk slowly while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, a gluten-free all-purpose blend works well for roux.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts smoothly.
How can I make it spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.
Can I freeze the roux?
Yes, freeze in a container for up to 2 months.
You will also like the Mickey Pancakes Recipe.
1 thought on “Mac and Cheese Roux Recipe”