Do you need flour in mac and cheese?

* Thickening: Flour acts as a thickener, helping to create a smooth, creamy sauce. When you whisk flour into the milk or cream, it creates a roux, which binds the sauce and prevents it from being too thin.

* Flavor: Flour can add a slight, almost undetectable, hint of flavor to the sauce.

Alternatives to flour:

* Cornstarch: Provides a similar thickening effect as flour, but creates a slightly glossier sauce.

* Butter: You can use melted butter alone to thicken the sauce, but it won't be as thick as using flour or cornstarch.

* No thickener: Some recipes for mac and cheese omit any thickeners, relying on the cheese itself to create a creamy texture.

Ultimately, whether or not you use flour in your mac and cheese is a matter of personal preference. If you want a thicker, richer sauce, flour is a good option. If you prefer a thinner, more delicate sauce, you can skip it or use a different thickening agent.