How Do You Make a Roux for Macaroni and Cheese?

Making a roux for macaroni and cheese can be a bit tricky, but with some helpful hints, you can avoid common mistakes and achieve a creamy, cheesy sauce. In this article, we'll explore how to make a roux and provide tips on how to use it in your favorite macaroni and cheese recipe.

To start, choose the fat you'd like to use for your roux. You can use butter, bacon fat, pork drippings, margarine, or shortening. Heat the fat in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until it melts.

Next, add an equal amount of all-purpose flour to the melted fat. Stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming. This mixture is known as a roux and serves as the foundation for your cheese sauce.

When making a roux, it's essential to use equal parts of fat and flour. This ensures that your sauce thickens evenly and doesn't become too grainy or separated.

One common mistake people make when using a roux is adding cold cheese to the mixture. To avoid this, make sure your cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the sauce. You can also whisk the cheese into the hot milk and sauce mixture one tablespoon at a time until melted.

Another helpful tip is to add the roux to the hot milk and stir to thicken the mixture slightly before adding the cheese. This helps prevent lumps from forming and ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.

If you're using prepackaged shredded cheese, make sure it's not coated with starch or additives that can affect the melting process. Instead, grate your own cheese for the best results.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and adjust the amount of cheese to your liking. Adding an extra pound of cheese can make a big difference in the flavor and richness of your macaroni and cheese.

By following these simple tips and using a roux in your macaroni and cheese recipe, you'll be on your way to creating a delicious, creamy sauce that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the ooey-gooey goodness of homemade macaroni and cheese!

How do you make a roux for macaroni and cheese