Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese & What To Serve With It

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This easy homemade mac and cheese recipe is fast to whip up and super cheesy. You’ll have this on the table in no time (20 minutes!) and I share a bunch of ideas on what to serve with it. The noodles are bathed in a creamy sauce that is made using a classic French bechamel sauce (flour, butter, & milk). 

Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for generations. It is a simple recipe, made with just a few ingredients, but it is incredibly satisfying. The creamy cheese sauce coats the noodles and makes them irresistible. 

Mac and cheese can be served as a main course or as a side dish. It is perfect for potlucks, parties, and family gatherings. And it is always a hit with kids!

So next time you are looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner, be sure to give macaroni and cheese a try. Your taste buds will not be disappointed!

Why We Love Easy Homemade Mac And Cheese

There are many reasons why we love mac and cheese. Here are a few:

• It’s delicious. The combination of the creamy cheese sauce and the chewy pasta is simply irresistible.
• It’s comforting. There’s something about mac and cheese that just feels like home.
• It’s versatile. Mac and cheese can be made with a variety of different cheeses, so there’s a version for everyone.
• It’s easy to make. Mac and cheese is a quick and easy dish that can be made with just a few simple ingredients.
• It’s kid-friendly. Mac and cheese is a favorite among kids of all ages.
• It’s affordable. Mac and cheese is a relatively inexpensive dish that can be made on a budget.
• It’s nostalgic. Mac and cheese is a dish that many people grew up eating, so it has a special place in our hearts.

All of these reasons make mac and cheese a dish that we love to eat over and over again.

The History of Mac And Cheese

The history of mac and cheese is a long and winding one. The dish is thought to have originated in Italy in the late 13th century when pasta was first introduced to the country. At the time, it was simply a dish of macaroni noodles with a simple cheese sauce.

Macaroni and cheese made its way to England in the 16th century, and it quickly became a popular dish among the upper class. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century that the dish became more widely available to the general public. This was due in part to the invention of the macaroni machine, which made it easier to produce large quantities of pasta.

In the 19th century, mac and cheese became even more popular when it was featured in cookbooks and magazines. It was also during this time that the dish began to be made with a variety of different cheeses, including cheddar, American, and Parmesan.

Today, mac and cheese is a popular dish all over the world. It is often served as a comfort food, a side dish, or as a main course. There are many different variations of the dish, but the basic ingredients remain the same: macaroni noodles and cheese sauce.

Ingredients For Easy Homemade Mac And Cheese

16 ounces large macaroni noodles

4 tablespoons salted butter

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups of half and half 

1 cup whole milk

8 ounces of freshly grated cheese

1/8-1/4 teaspoon each of Salt, Pepper, and Onion salt or more to taste

Different Pastas For Easy Homemade Mac And Cheese

The most common pasta used for mac and cheese is elbow macaroni, but there are many other types of pasta that can be used. Some other popular options include:

• Penne: Penne is a short, tubular pasta that has ridges on the outside. This helps the sauce to cling to the pasta, making it a good choice for mac and cheese.
• Rotini: Rotini is a spiral-shaped pasta that is similar to penne. It is also a good choice for mac and cheese because it helps the sauce to cling to the pasta.
• Shells: Shells are a small, cup-shaped pasta that is perfect for holding onto cheese sauce. They are a good choice for mac and cheese which is made with a lot of cheese.
• Bow ties: Bow ties are a small, bow-shaped pasta that is another good choice for mac and cheese. They are a good option for mac and cheese that is made with a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables or meat.
• Fusili: Little twists that hold onto all the cheese.
• Mafalda: Smaller version of lasagna noodles. This shape gets coated with cheese and adds a fun twist.
• Macaroni: Macaroni is a short, tube-shaped pasta that is the most common type of pasta used for mac and cheese. It is a good choice for basic mac and cheese recipes.

There are also many other types of pasta that can be used for mac and cheese, such as farfalle (bow ties), rigatoni (large, ridged tubes), and cavatappi (corkscrews). The best type of pasta to use for mac and cheese is a matter of personal preference.

Varieties Of Cheeses For Mac And Cheese

There are many different kinds of cheese used in mac and cheese, but some of the most popular include:

• Cheddar: A sharp, flavorful cheese that is often used in mac and cheese. (mild cheddar, white cheddar, and sharp cheddar cheese)
• American cheese: A processed cheese that is often used in mac and cheese because it melts easily.
• Gruyère: A Swiss cheese that is known for its nutty flavor.
• Parmesan: A hard cheese that is grated over mac and cheese to add flavor and texture.
• Fontina: An Italian cheese that is known for its creamy texture.
• Mozzarella: A soft cheese that is often used in mac and cheese because it melts easily.
• Monterey Jack: A semi-hard cheese that is often used in mac and cheese because it melts easily.
• Pepper Jack: Offers a nice kick.
• Cream cheese can be added for an extra-rich sauce.
• Add in some blue cheese for a unique take on this classic.

The type of cheese you use in mac and cheese will depend on your personal preference and the recipe you are following. Some recipes call for a combination of cheeses, while others call for just one type of cheese. Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite mac and cheese!

Some stores now offer bags labeled mac and cheese -cheese – they combine different cheeses to make this dish come together fast and easy.

Instructions On How To Make Easy Homemade Mac And Cheese

• Fill a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook your pasta according to the package direction for al dente (to the tooth) for a perfect consistency of bite. Don’t overcook your pasta, because it will become mushy.

• Be sure to reserve around one cup of the wonderfully starchy pasta water to thin out your sauce later if needed. Drain off the excess water and return the pasta to the pot. Set aside.

• Grate up 4 ounces of sharp cheddar and 4 ounces of Colby jack cheese.  Kids love to help with this part.

• In a 4 cup measuring cup pour in the half and half and the milk. Warm in the microwave for around 2 minutes. 

Bechamel Sauce

See the whole bechamel recipe here. I go into detail on how to make this amazing white French sauce.

• Make a roux. In a 2 quart saucepan over medium heat melt the butter, then add the flour. Whisk for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour.  Add seasonings and mix.

• When the roux is bubbly and golden brown, slowly pour in the milk whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 4 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. 

• Remove the sauce from the heat and add in the grated cheese. Mix completely.

• Pour the cheese sauce directly over the cooked macaroni and combine. You can thin out the sauce with the reserved pasta water if needed. 

Additional Seasonings For Mac and Cheese

The flavoring for mac and cheese is so versatile. Try adding some

• garlic powder
• hot paprika
• chili powder
• pinch of nutmeg
• cayenne pepper
• taco seasoning
• black pepper

For This Recipe

I used equal parts colby jack and sharp cheddar- four ounces of each. Both of these cheeses melt to perfection when freshly grated. It’s a traditional cheesy flavor, simple but delicious. My son was helping me out in the kitchen today. It’s great to get the kids involved.

That is it! Stir the cheese sauce into the pasta making sure to coat every noodle in golden goodness. If you find your mac and cheese too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out a bit. Soft and velvety mac and cheese. It is too easy to make – 20 minutes is all it takes.

Easy Homemade Mac And Cheese & What To Serve With It

• Red Cabbage Salad
• Roasted Carrots and Asparagus
• Artichokes
• Roasted Turkey
• Brussels Sprouts
• Artisan Dinner Rolls
• Irish Soda Bread
• Sloppy Joes
• Pulled Pork
• Chicken Thighs
• Hot Dogs
• Pork Chops
• Little Smokies
• Chicken Breasts
• Norwegian Chocolate Chip cookies

• BBQ Ribs or Pulled Pork

• Lobster Mac and Cheese
• Andouille sausage

• Brats
• Meatloaf

• Chili
• Fried Chicken
• Pork Tenderloin or pork steaks

• Thanksgiving dinner side
• Mix in ground beef for a homemade hamburger helper
• Chicken thighs

You can also add some protein to your mac and cheese by serving it with a grilled chicken breast, a piece of fish, or a tofu scramble.

Variations Of Mac And Cheese

• Classic mac and cheese: This is the most basic version, made with macaroni noodles and a cheese sauce.
• Stovetop mac and cheese: This is made on the stovetop, and is often creamier than baked mac and cheese.
• Baked mac and cheese: This is made in the oven, and is often topped with bread crumbs or cheese. Top with extra cheese.
• One-pot mac and cheese: This is made in a single pot, and is a great option for busy weeknights.
• Slow cooker mac and cheese: A low and slow version.
• Vegan mac and cheese: This is made without any dairy products, and is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
• Gluten-free mac and cheese: This is made without any gluten, and is a great option for those who are gluten intolerant.
• Mac and cheese with different types of cheese: This can be made with any type of cheese you like, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère.
• Mac and cheese with different add-ins: This can be made with different add-ins, such as bacon, broccoli, or tomatoes.
• Mac and cheese with different flavors: This can be made with different flavors, such as buffalo chicken, Mexican, or Italian.

Wrapping Up Easy Homemade Mac And Cheese & What To Serve With It

Easy homemade mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that makes a perfect meal for everyone. It will easily become a favorite recipe and the best part is how quick and simple it is to make. This delicious meal brings your mac and cheese game to the next level. It’s a major upgrade from Kraft mac and cheese. 

Making a simple homemade mac and cheese doesn’t need to be intimidating. Once you master this cheese sauce you can explore other uses for it. It is delicious over sauteed vegetables or cooked cubed potatoes. Dip homemade pretzels in this cheese sauce for a fun and flavorful snack.

Store any leftover macaroni cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three (3) days. You can freeze it, but making it fresh tastes so much better. 

This creamy macaroni and cheese dinner stars and is one of the main dishes on our weekly table. It is gooey and cheesy and is sure to be a family favorite! 

​Cheers, 

Sarah

Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese & What To Serve With It Recipe

Yield: 6 cups

Simple Homemade Mac & Cheese

Print

A simple homemade Mac & Cheese recipe that is comfort food at its finest.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 16 ounces large macaroni noodles
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 4 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 2 cups of half and half
• 1 cup whole milk
• 8 ounces freshly grated cheese
• 1/8 teaspoon each of Salt, Pepper, and Onion salt or more to taste

Instructions

1. Set a pot of salted water to boil for macaroni and cook per the package direction to al dente. Do not overcook. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
2. Grate up 4 ounces of sharp cheddar and 4 ounces of Colby jack cheese.
3. In a 4 cup measuring cup pour in the half and half and the milk. Warm in the microwave for around 2 minutes.
4. Make the roux. In a 2 quart saucepan over medium heat melt the butter, then add the flour. Whisk for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour. Add seasonings and mix.
5. When the roux is ready, slowly pour in the milk mixture whisking constantly. Mix until incorporated and slowly bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 2-4 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
6. Remove the sauce from the heat and slowly stir in the grated cheese. Mix completely.
7. Pour the cheese sauce directly over the cooked macaroni and combine. You can thin out the sauce with the reserved pasta water if needed.

Notes

-Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

-Pasta is better cooked to al dente or just shy of the recommended cooking time.

-There are lots of great melty cheeses out there, selected what you desire.

-Grating your own cheese reduces the chance of lumps and clumps.

-Get creative with seasonings. Add whatever tastes you like.

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