Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe: Easy & Creamy Comfort Food!

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheddar lowers calories while processed cheese is more affordable.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + powdered milk

Almond milk is lower in calories, while the powdered milk is a cost-effective alternative.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories, while pecorino is often less expensive.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier for cooking, while margarine is a cheaper fat option.

Cook the macaroni pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and stir in the flour to create a roux.

Gradually whisk in the milk and half and half, cooking until thickened.

Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well.

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

Top with additional cheddar cheese.

Bake in the oven until golden and bubbly.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens