Easy Homemade Mac & Cheese Recipe
The Easiest Mac and Cheese Recipe
A mouthwatering recipe for the ultimate comfort food: creamy mac and cheese with a golden brown crust, perfect for family dinners.
The Easiest Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe
One 16 oz. box of large elbow macaroni (can be the smaller mac too)
Two 8oz. packs of good cheddar cheese- (I use Tillamook Grated- Cheddar, Sharp or Mild) plus,
4oz grated parm cheese for the top- mix with of cheddar
3 cups of whole milk
1 Tbsp. of Butter plus butter for casserole
2 Tablespoons of Cornstarch
350 degrees, 325 degrees if using ceramic for approx. 40 minutes. You are looking for the top to be golden brown and a bit bubbly.
A buttered casserole – 9 x 12 would work nicely. ( I use my Pioneer Woman Casserole)
Boil the water in a large pot to accommodate the macaroni. After the water boils add the macaroni. Boil for approx. 9 mins. You want it to be al dente.
When the mac is cooking start the cheese sauce. Start by melting the butter in a large pot. Once the butter has melted add the cornstarch. Cook the two together by stirring. The two will become “roux”. Continue to cook until it turns a little golden in color and a bit like “putty”. Then add the milk to the mixture and cook slowly, stirring frequently until the milk becomes very velvety (not boiling) Turn off the burner. This is the time to add the cheese (save about 1/4 c for the top- mix with grated parm cheese for the topping later) and continue to stir it in as it melts. Your cheese sauce is ready. Set aside. Drain the macaroni.
Spray your casserole with cooking spray. (=easy clean up!) Place the macaroni in the casserole, pour the cheese sauce on top and mix it together while the mac is still hot. You want to be sure the macaroni is fully covered. Add the cheese you set aside for the topping. Place in middle of oven. You can expect it to take about 45 mins. to get nice and golden. (if you have a wonky oven, turn the broiler on for a few mins.) The golden browned top is nice and chewy.
Optional: My family loves when I put a few tomato slices with salt and pepper on top prior to placing the final grated cheese on top. It looks pretty and the tomato’s add another veggie! Oh, and if you want to be fancy try a little pinch of herbes de provence on top. I order from Amazon. Looks especially nice and it gives a finished home-made touch. Yum!
