Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Cook the Macaroni:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water.
- Add 8 ounces (about 2 cups) of elbow macaroni to the boiling water.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it is al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the cooked macaroni and set it aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium-sized pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to the pot.
- Stir continuously until the mixture becomes a smooth paste (roux) and starts to turn a light brown color. This should take about 1-2 minutes.

Add Milk and Sour Cream:
- Gradually pour in 1 cup of whole milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Continue to stir until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add 1/4 cup of sour cream to the pot and stir until it is well blended into the sauce. Do not let the mixture boil. If it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low.
Incorporate the Cheese:
- Once the sauce is creamy and smooth, reduce the heat to low.
- Gradually add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine with Macaroni:
- Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the cheese sauce.
- Stir until the macaroni is fully coated with the cheese sauce.
Serve:
- Serve the homemade macaroni and cheese immediately while it’s hot and creamy.

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of black pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
If you prefer a creamier consistency, you can add an additional 1/4 cup of milk.
This recipe can be easily doubled if you need to serve more people.

Enjoy your delicious homemade macaroni and cheese!