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My mom used to make Easy Macaroni and Cheese for me when I was a girl. As a mom, I made it for our girls, and now I make it for our grandchildren.

Serving Macaroni and Cheese in a Vintage Bowl
Deborah in her kitchen

This homemade Macaroni and Cheese is great for summer.

It’s quite easy and tastes better than the kind that comes in a box. At least, I think so. It’s thick and creamy, and a great side to serve with your favorite sandwich or burger. It also goes really well with Fried Fish.

Because this is a kid-friendly dish, be sure to involve them in the measuring and mixing of ingredients.

See more Side Dishes. Browse more Pasta or Macaroni Recipes.

More Pasta Dishes

Ingredients for Easy Macaroni and Cheese

(As a Walmart Affiliate, I earn from qualified purchases at the links below. See the full recipe at the bottom of this post.)

Notes on Ingredients

 

Instructions For This Recipes

Base Ingredients for Mac and Cheese

Begin by gathering all your ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table.

Prepare the Ingredients

Slice the processed cheese into small cubes. Using a box grater, shred the cheddar cheese.

Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a rapid boil over medium high heat. Add kosher salt and the raw macaroni. Reduce heat to medium low and continue boiling according to package directions, about 9-11 minutes until tender. Drain the macaroni in a colander.

Make the Macaroni and Cheese

Melt the Cheese with the Butter and Milk

In the same saucepan, melt the butter. Add one cup of the whole milk, processed cheese cubes, and grated cheddar cheese. Cook on low until the cheese has melted, stirring occasionally.

You do not need to stir the cheese constantly, but you will want to keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t burn on the bottom. Stir every 1-2 minutes until the cheese has melted. 

Add the Cooked Macaroni to the Cheese Sauce

Once the cheese has fully melted, add in the drained macaroni and mix well with a long-handled spoon or spurtle. Add an extra 1/2 cup of whole milk if you desire a creamier sauce.

Season with smoked paprika and freshly ground black pepper.

Serving Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Serve warm with your favorite sandwich, burger or main dish. The recipe will make enough for 4-6 people.

Easy Macaroni and Cheese is a perfect dish to make with your kids and for your kids! Happy Cooking!

Featured Image - Recipe for Easy Macaroni and Cheese

Easy Macaroni and Cheese

Here's a recipe my mom used to make for me when I was a girl. Our girls liked it even better than the Kraft version.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Serving Size 6

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Ingredients 

  • 16 oz. raw elbow macaroni
  • 4 quarts water
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 10 oz. processed cheese loaf (cubed (like Velveeta))
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Gather your ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table.

Prepare the Ingredients

  • Slice the processed cheese into small cubes. Using a box grater, shred the cheddar cheese.
  • Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a rapid boil on medium-high heat. Add salt and the raw macaroni. Boil according to package directions, for about 9-11 minutes until tender. Drain the macaroni in a colander.

Make the Macaroni and Cheese

  • In the same saucepan, melt the butter. Add one cup of the whole milk, prepared cheese cubes, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Cook on low until the cheese has melted, stirring occasionally. (You do not need to stir the cheese constantly, but you will need to keep an eye on it and stir every 1-2 minutes.)
  • Once the cheese has completely melted, add in the drained macaroni and mix well with a long-handled spoon or spurtle. If desired, you may add an additional 1/2 cup of whole milk if you prefer a creamier sauce.
  • Season with smoked paprika and freshly ground black pepper. Serves 4-6.

Notes

*Unless otherwise indicated, all butter on this recipe site is salted.

Nutrition

Calories: 583kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 1400mg | Potassium: 443mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1208IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 515mg | Iron: 1mg

 

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