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Home » Classic » Classic Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

September 3, 2019 Classic

Classic Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

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Classic Homemade Macaroni and Cheese via @simplysidedishes89

Homemade macaroni and cheese is a staple in many homes as a main dish or side dish that everyone loves. This stove top macaroni and cheese is creamy, easy and absolutely delicious – made using multiple kinds of cheese, flavorful spices, and more.

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese

Having two little boys, macaroni and cheese is a very common meal in our home.

Homemade, from a box, from a restaurant…they don’t care – any chance they can get it, they’ll take it.

I, on the other hand, can be a little more picky about my mac and cheese.

The flavor can’t be too strong. It can’t taste artificial. And it has to be made from good, real ingredients.

This recipe hits all those requirements on the nose, and it’s one that I know will be a favorite in your family for years to come.

Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese on Stove

Macaroni and Cheese on Stove

FAQ

Is macaroni and cheese gluten-free?

I did not make this macaroni and cheese gluten-free, however, it easily can be. Just select your favorite gluten-free elbow pasta and use a gluten-free flour for the roux.

How to keep macaroni and cheese creamy

Here is a great post about how to make the creamiest mac and cheese.

How to reheat macaroni and cheese

Here is a great post about how to reheat mac and cheese.







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How much macaroni and cheese for 50, 75, 100, etc.

In general, for the main dish, you can expect around 4-5 ounces of dry pasta per person.

Can macaroni and cheese be frozen?

Yes, it can. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container!

Can macaroni and cheese be made the day before?

Yep! Just follow the reheating instructions above.

Can I make macaroni and cheese without milk?

You can use milk alternatives, though the amounts may need to be adjusted.

What is macaroni and cheese served with?

It can be served with all sorts of things. It makes for a great side dish for meats and BBQ foods, and it also makes for a great side dish. Add bacon or sausage for some added delicious-ness.

Is macaroni and cheese vegan?

This recipe is not, but there are vegan mac and cheese recipes out there.

EASY HOMEMADE MACARONI AND CHEESE

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces dry elbow pasta
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 1 pint half and half
  • 1 cup 2% or whole milk
  • 16 ounces Kraft Expertly Paired Mozzarella and Cheddar (or one cup of each cheese in preferred shredded variety)
  • 1 teaspoon Dry mustard
  • 3/4 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Tools Needed

  • Skillet
  • Whisk

Instructions

Bring a pot of water to a roaring boil and saltwater

Add the box of elbow noodles – cook until al dente (about seven minutes)

In the meantime, melt butter in a large pan.

Once melted, whisk in white flour and whisk constantly over medium heat for about five minutes until you create a roux.

Slowly pour in half and half and milk and stir over medium heat until it starts to thicken.

Add in the cheese, stirring until combined.

Add the spices and stir.

Drain pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup pasta water.

Mix the pasta in directly with the sauce – add pasta water if you need to thin the sauce at all.

Serve immediately!

Mac and Cheese Recipe

Continue to Content
Classic Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Classic Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Yield: 10 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

The best stovetop mac and cheese you'll ever eat! Only contains simple and easy-to-find ingredients

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces dry elbow pasta
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 1 pint half and half
  • 1 cup 2% or whole milk
  • 16 ounces Kraft Expertly Paired Mozzarella and Cheddar (or one cup of each cheese in preferred shredded variety)
  • 1 teaspoon Dry mustard
  • 3/4 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of water to a roaring boil and salt water
  2. Add the box of elbow noodles - cook until al dente (about seven minutes)
  3. In the mean time, melt butter in a large pan.
  4. Once melted, whisk in white flour and whisk constantly over medium heat for about five minutes until you create a roux.
  5. Slowly pour in half and half and milk and stir over medium heat until it starts to thicken.
  6. Add in the cheese, stirring until combined.
  7. Add the spices and stir.
  8. Drain pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup pasta water.
  9. Mix the pasta in directly with the sauce - add pasta water if you need to thin the sauce at all.
  10. Serve immediately!
© Katie Clark
Cuisine: American / Category: Pasta

More Mac and Cheese Recipes

  • Easy Baked White Macaroni and Cheese
  • Easy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese – 20 Minutes!
  • Copycat Costco Mac and Cheese Recipe
  • Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe
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Related

Categories: Classic Tags: cheddar cheese, dry mustard, garlic powder, half and half, macaroni, milk, mozzarella cheese, onion powder, paprika

Previous Post: « Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rosemary says

    December 19, 2019 at 3:50 pm

    The easiest and best Mac and cheese is just velveta, milk, butter salt, my kids grew up on this and so did I, I still make this way for us two now. A lot easier to make and simple ingredients.

    Reply
    • Katie Clark says

      December 21, 2019 at 9:07 am

      Thanks for sharing, Rosemary! We prefer to use real cheeses, which does take more work. But I’m glad you have something you enjoy, too 🙂

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