mac and cheese

Ingredients:

• 400 g of macaroni
• 50 g of butter
• 50 g of flour
• 500 ml of milk
• 250 g of grated cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Panko or breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the cheese: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Combine everything: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to combine.
5. Optional – Bake: For a crispy topping, pour the mac and cheese into a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs or panko, and bake under the grill for 5-10 minutes until golden brown.

Enjoy your creamy, cheesy mac and cheese!