Macaroni and Cheese for a Crowd 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.

Boil your pasta according to the package's instructions -- but, drain 3 minutes shy of cook time. RESERVE 1 CUP PASTA WATER BEFORE DRAINING.

In a large pot, melt 1/2 cup butter with 1/2 flour over medium heat. Whisking until combined and no lumps.

Pour in 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 TBS ranch powder. Whisk this into the roux, and "bloom" the spices for a minute.

Slowly pour in 3 cups of milk, one cup at a time, whisking until smooth each time.

Once the milk is fully incorporated, add 1 cup of pasta water. Whisk until smooth.

Mix your shredded cheeses together, and turn your stovetop down to medium-low.

Then slowly add 3.5 cups in, one handful at a time, to your bechamel. Whisking until fully melted and incorporated each handful.

Once the cheese sauce is finished, turn the heat off.

Drain your pasta, and in a large bowl, mix the pasta with 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.

Pour your cheese sauce over your noodles, and mix very well, until every noodle is coated in the sauce.

Using a sprayed baking dish, or aluminum pan (13x9 size) layer half the cheesy macaroni into the pan.

Sprinkle half the remaining cheese, then add the final layer of cheesy pasta.

Top the entire casserole with the rest of the cheese.

Bake at 350˚ for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly on top.

When removing from the oven, allow setting for 3 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens