We’re obsessed with this Macaroni and Cheese Recipe! Tender pasta paired with cheesy goodness creates the ultimate comfort food. It’s the perfect side dish option!
This pasta recipe should be on your radar the next time you crave a classic Southern dish with minimal effort. It’s so good!
I’m all about the flavors of this easy mac and cheese recipe. I’ve loved eating this since I was a child – and I haven’t ever grown out of that phase – nor will I!
Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Revolution
If you’re used to eating boxed macaroni, stop! This simple macaroni dish is better than anything you buy at the store. And the good news is that it’s easy to double or triple to share with family and friends.
You can even mix and match cheeses on this recipe to create a unique flavor each time you make it. I’m a big fan of how this tastes just like it’s written on the recipe card, so if you alter it, be sure to come back and tell me so that I can try it, too!
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The following items can be found in my kitchen here at Miller Manor. Simply click the image that interests you – yes, they do contain affiliate links.
Have fun making this easy side dish recipe. And if you’re a fan like me, you can make it into a full meal to eat and enjoy. There’s nothing wrong with eating macaroni for dinner!
How do I know if I’ve overcooked macaroni noodles?
Perfectly cooked macaroni should be tender but firm to the bite, known as “al dente.” If the noodles have a mushy texture, break apart easily when stirred, or stick to each other excessively, these are clear indicators that they have been overcooked.
Overcooked macaroni often swells beyond its expected size, appearing bloated and noticeably softer. For future reference, closely following the recommended cooking time on the package and conducting periodic taste tests toward the end of boiling can help prevent overcooking and ensure your macaroni maintains its ideal texture.
Specialty Ingredients:
The following ingredients are affiliate links on Amazon because they may be a bit hard to find in your normal store. I wanted you to be able to see exactly which things we are using.
Reminder, not all ingredients in the Mac and Cheese Recipe are linked above, just the ones that may be a bit difficult to find or that you might be unsure of what to look for
Shop My Kitchen:
The following items can be found in my kitchen here at Miller Manor. Simply click the image that interests you – yes, they do contain affiliate links.
Must Have Resources:
When making Simple Macaroni and Cheese at home, you really need to have the following Amazon affiliate tools on hand.
Make it a Meal:
Meal planning is the perfect way to make dinnertime easy! Stop stressing out over what dishes to have and prep these instead!
Main Dish: Hearty Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Vegetable Side: Keto Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bake Recipe
Refreshing Drink: Pumpkin Spice Drink Recipe
Don’t forget Dessert: Snickerdoodle Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Best Pasta Recipes:
Once you make this Cheesy Mac and Cheese Recipe, you must have more pasta options. This list shows that you can make pasta in many different ways!
Here are a few of my favorites!
This Tropical Pasta Salad Recipe has the best flavor and is perfect for summer BBQs.
Check out this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad for a fun treat. So simple!
Bing Bang Shrimp Pasta makes the perfect meal! It’s a great comfort food dish!
This Pesto Pasta is a really easy dish to make. It’s loaded with simple ingredients!
I love the flavor of this Italian Sausage and Elbow Pasta! Full of flavor!
Give these Hamburger Meat and Pasta Recipes a try. Add them to your meal plans!
My kids love it when I make this Pasta Primavera with a Basic White Sauce!
How do I reheat leftover macaroni and cheese?
The best method is to add a splash of milk before reheating to help loosen the cheese sauce, which might have thickened in the fridge. Place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish for oven reheating, stir in milk, cover with aluminum foil, and bake at 350°F until heated.
You can also reheat it in the microwave if you’re short on time. Place the macaroni and cheese in a microwave-safe dish, mix in a tablespoon of milk, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power in 90-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
This method helps restore its original creamy consistency, ensuring your leftover macaroni and cheese is just as delicious the second time.
Shop My Printables
These printables are great for meal planning and organizing! Simply click the image to check out my shop products!
More Macaroni and Cheese Recipes:
- Ultimate Grilled Macaroni and Cheese Sandwich
- Pizza Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Grilled Cheese Charcuterie Board Recipe
Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Revolution
It's a revolution! This southern comfort staple will blow your mind with how good it is! Passed down for generations and generations, you will certainly be amazed at the secret ingredient!
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried pasta
- 2 1/2 cups milk Use skim if you want to cut back on fat
- 1 cup loosely packed cheddar cheese shredded by hand
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard optional or can substitute nutmeg instead (start with a little and add more to taste)
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Pour pasta and milk into a small saucepan. Bring it to simmer and then reduce the heat to low. Cook the pasta at this temperature for 20 to 25 minutes or until pasta is soft. Stir the mixture often and be sure the milk does not boil.
- Remove the macaroni from the heat and add the cheese.
- Season with salt to taste and stir it to combine. Stir in the remaining spices a little at a time, to taste. Cover the pan and let the mixture stand for a couple of minutes.
- Remove the lid and stir again. If is not creamy enough, you can add milk a little at a time, and gently stir.
- It is not necessary, but you may bake the macaroni and cheese it at this point. Pour it into a baking dish and sprinkle a generous portion of cheese on top. Bake the macaroni and cheese at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 207Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 582mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 8gProtein: 11g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix on 4/30/2024
Do you add any spiciness to your mac and cheese recipes?
Sara
Saturday 1st of March 2014
Mac n Cheese is my all time favorite home cooked meal, hands down. Thanks so much for sharing your version and thanks for linking up with us at Tell Me About It Tuesday! I hope you hop over again next week.
Miz Helen
Saturday 1st of March 2014
There is nothing like a great Mac N Cheese, it can be my meal, yum! Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great weekend. Come Back Soon! Miz Helen