Easy Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Lower calorie option or more budget-friendly.

elbow macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole grain pasta

💰Cheaper: any pasta shape

More nutritious or versatile.

Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions, but cook it a minute less than the package calls for.

Drain the macaroni and set aside.

Grate 1 pound of sharp white cheddar cheese by hand.

Melt 5 tablespoons of butter in a large pot on the stove until bubbling.

Scatter 5 tablespoons of flour over the melted butter and whisk until it smells toasted and looks light brown.

Pour in 5 cups of warmed milk and continue to cook, stirring until the sauce simmers and thickens.

Turn the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese in batches.

Add 4 ounces of cream cheese (optional) to make the sauce ultra creamy.

Stir in 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well.

Cover the pot with a lid and allow the pasta to absorb some of the creamy sauce for 5 minutes.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens