👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

1. Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente
2. Drain and set aside

Don’t overcook — it keeps cooking in the oven!

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2. Make the cheese sauce

1. Melt butter in a pot
2. Whisk in flour, cook 2 minutes (no color)
3. Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth
4. Simmer until thickened

Add:

• Cheddar + colby
• Salt, pepper, mustard powder, paprika

Stir until melted and creamy.

Sauce should be silky, not watery.

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3. Combine

• Add cooked macaroni to cheese sauce
• Stir gently to coat every noodle

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4. Assemble & bake

Pour into a buttered baking dish.
Top with cheddar, and if you want, breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.

Bake at 350°F / 180°C for 20–25 minutes
until golden and bubbly.

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🤤 Serve

Let it rest 5–10 minutes so it sets.
Serve with:

• Fried chicken
• BBQ
• Burgers
• Green veggies

Or just grab a fork and go to town. 😌

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😍 Flavor & Texture

• Thick, velvety cheese sauce
• Tender pasta
• Crispy cheesy top
• Cozy, nostalgic, home-style taste

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💡 Tips

• Freshly grated cheese melts MUCH better than packaged
• Don’t use low-fat milk
• A pinch of cayenne is amazing
• If sauce is too thick, splash a little milk

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🔄 Variations

Southern-Style Baked

Add:

• 2 eggs, whisked into warm sauce
• Extra cheese layers
  Bake 35–40 min

Super Creamy

Add:

• 1/2 cup cream cheese

Extra Cheesy

Use:

• Cheddar + mozzarella + pepper jack

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🧊 Storage

• Fridge: 3–4 days
• Reheat with splash of milk

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If you want, I can make a version:
✔️ Stovetop only (no bake)
✔️ 4-cheese deluxe
✔️ Southern mac with eggs
✔️ Budget version
✔️ Copycat KFC / Popeyes style

Just tell me!