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.
Make the Mac and 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.
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. Serve warm. Serves 4-6.
Notes
*Unless otherwise indicated, all butter on this recipe site is salted.