Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe | How to Make Mac N Cheese | Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while processed cheese is often less expensive.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil provides healthier fats while margarine is a budget-friendly alternative.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + cornstarch

Almond milk is lower in calories, and a cornstarch mixture can mimic creaminess.

elbow macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pasta

💰Cheaper: generic pasta

Whole wheat pasta adds fiber while generic options are often cheaper.

Start by using one 8 ounce block of softened cream cheese.

Use 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese, or cheese of your choice.

Open a 12 ounce can of evaporated milk; you could also use half and half or heavy cream.

Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a preheated pot over low to medium heat.

Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika to the melted butter and warm through until aromatic.

Add the softened cream cheese to the pot and mix until it melts down and becomes smooth and creamy.

Pour in the 12 ounce can of evaporated milk and whisk to combine well with the cream cheese.

Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the mixture and whisk until melted and smooth, keeping the heat low to avoid burning.

Turn off the heat and add 1 pound of cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing well.

Prepare a buttered 9 by 13 baking dish with around 1 tablespoon of softened butter spread over it.

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the baking dish.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Top the macaroni and cheese with reserved shredded cheese, including optional deli style American cheese if desired.

Bake in the preheated oven for around 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted on top, or use the broiler until bubbly and golden brown.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens