Homemade Mac and Cheese
Better Than Anything from a Box and Cheaper Too!
This is a family recipe passed down to me through several tasty dinners as a kid. It is unbelievable how simple and easy macaroni and cheese can be to make, and once you taste this recipe, you will never buy it from a box again!
Category
Casserole
Cuisine
American
Main Ingredients
Baking
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
50 min
Ingredients
Serves 4
2 Cups Dry elbow macaroni
2 Cups Milk
8 oz. Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 Tbs. Butter
2 Tbs. Flour
1/4-1/2 Cup Italian (seasoned) bread crumbs
To taste Salt and pepper
Directions for Homemade Mac and Cheese
1
Preheat oven.
My favorite part about this recipe, other than its simplicity, is its ability to allow multiple variations. Some of my favorites to add to the pasta:-- Broccoli-- Grilled chicken (seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and sage)-- Red pepper flakes and chili powder-- Bacon or cubed ham-- Substitute macaroni for tri-colored or wheat rotini-- Substitute the sharp cheddar for different kinds of cheese. Two of my favorites are pepper jack and gruyere.2
Cook pasta.
Boil water, add elbow macaroni, and cook according to the instructions on the box. Drain and set aside.3
Melt butter.
Melt butter in a medium-sized saucepan on medium heat.4
Add flour.
Add flour to the melted butter, making sure to not let the flour burn.5
Add milk.
Add milk to the butter and flour mixture. Bring to a boil, making sure to stir regularly.6
Add salt, pepper, and cheese.
Once the sauce has come to a boil, it should thicken. At this point, add salt and pepper to taste and melt the cheese into the sauce.7
Assemble the casserole.
Stir the pasta and sauce into a 8x8'' pan. Sprinkle the bread crumbs on top.8
Bake.
Bake in the oven at 325 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling.9
Let cool.
Let casserole cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.10
Get creative!
My favorite part about this recipe, other than its simplicity, is its ability to allow multiple variations. Some of my favorites to add to the pasta:-- Broccoli-- Grilled chicken (seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and sage)-- Red pepper flakes and chili powder-- Bacon or cubed ham-- Substitute macaroni for tri-colored or wheat rotini-- Substitute the sharp cheddar for different kinds of cheese. Two of my favorites are pepper jack and gruyere.- How to Make the Best Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
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