Macaroni and Cheese Recipe | How to Make Mac and Cheese

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.

Preheat oven to 360F (180C).

In a large bowl combine all the cheeses and set aside.

Heat large pot of salted water, cook the macaroni to al dente (1-2 minutes less than package instructions).

While the pasta is cooking make the sauce: In a large pot, melt the butter, add flour and whisk over medium-low heat. Cook for a couple of minutes, whisking constantly. Gradually add the milk and whisk until smooth. Cook until slightly thickens, about 5-6 minutes.

Gradually add 3/4 of the cheeses to the sauce and whisk until melted after each addition. Season with salt and pepper and mix. If you want to add more additions like bacon, herbs or spices, now it’s the time.

Drain the pasta and add to the sauce.

Transfer to a 12-inch (30cm) round baking dish, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 of the cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens