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    Home » Most Recently Added » Dinner

    Easy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

    Published: May 3, 2021 · Modified: May 26, 2023 by kateschat · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Mac n cheese is comfort food at its finest. It can be decadent but it can also be a simple use what ya got type of meal.

    forkful of macaroni and cheese from above

    I suggest using 2-3 types of cheese for the 3 cups needed, but really it's up to you. If you like it, use it. Mixing a strong and a mild cheese is always good. Used cream cheese in a recipe and have half a block left? Throw it in! Rummage in your cheese drawer for whatever needs to get used up. Great options include cheddar, asiago, parmesan, mozzarella, Havarti, pepper jack, gouda... it's endless!

    Close up of a bowl of macaroni and cheese.

    This is an easy one to double, which means you can stash it in the freezer for a busy day or share it with another family that could use a comfort meal. Sometimes gluten-free pasta doesn't like to freeze and thaw well but I haven't had issues with my tinkyada brown rice pasta. Just make sure you haven't overcooked it (keep it even just before al dente!) and combine the cheese and pasta when they have cooled a bit so the noodles don't continue to cook. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake according to instructions.

    Macaroni and cheese in a bowl on the table.

    My family likes to eat this stovetop-style the day we make it, and then we bake up the leftovers topped with a lil more cheese in a few days. You can use whatever meat and vegetables your family likes or needs to be used up. Play around with the combinations and see what you like best.

    Close up of a bowl of macaroni and cheese.

    Macaroni and Cheese:- Stovetop or Baked

    Kate Schat
    This is a "use what ya got" recipe. Whatever cheese (I recommend blending three types) and whatever veg needs to go.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 hour hr
    Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 526 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ¼ cup butter
    • ¼ cup flour I used einkorn
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 4 cups milk
    • 3 cups shredded cheese see notes
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • 1 lb pasta I use Tinkyada rice pasta
    • 1 cup frozen peas
    • 2 cups diced cooked ham or other leftover cubed cooked meat

    Instructions
     

    • Get a pot boiling for water. I use about a 2 gallon pot and 1 gallon of water, but check your pastas instructions. Cook pasta al dente.
    • Meanwhile, melt butter in a heavy bottom medium-sized pot on med-low heat (roughly 1 gallon).
    • Add flour, stir around for a minute or two. Add garlic, stir around for 15-30 sec then add about ⅓ of the milk. Whisk well, don't forget about it. You don't have to whisk constantly but don't leave it fully alone.
    • When it starts to thicken, add another roughly ⅓ of the milk. again, whisk, don't forget about it, when it starts to thicken, add the rest of the milk.
    • Take off the heat, whisk in salt and pepper. Add cheese, let melt, whisk in, then stir in the frozen peas and ham. If the pasta isn't finished cooking, set the cheese sauce aside.
    • Drain cooked pasta, then stir it into the cheese sauce. Serve right away, or pour into a greased 9x13 pan, let cool, cover, and put in the fridge for up to 3 days.
    • To bake, preheat oven to 350F, and bake without lid for 30-45 minutes until it's hot and bubbly.

    Notes

    • Cheese options, I like to use three, but use what you have. This is a great "clean out the cheese drawer" meal. Great options include cheddar, asiago, parmesan, mozzarella, Havarti, pepper jack, gouda, cream cheese…if it's a cheese you like, use it! I suggest using 2-3 types.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 526kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 24gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 849mgPotassium: 326mgFiber: 5gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 798IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 360mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    A forkful of homemade macaroni and cheese over a bowl full.

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    Hi, I'm Kate! Thank you for joining us on this crazy journey! Our family lives on a 34 acre homestead in northern BC, Canda and get a kick out of things like raising our own meat, dairy and vegetables.

    We’re a homeschooling family who believes life is the best teacher but we do hit the books in winter. I’m so glad you’re here, I hope you stick around!

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