I don’t think there is any denying how yummy Macaroni and Cheese is. It’s all warm and comforting, it can even bring back childhood memories. Yes, it’s amazing that way!
It’s great how the smell of Mac and Cheese baking in the oven can make everyone come into the kitchen asking, what’s baking? and When will the deliciousness be ready?
Mac and Cheese {Printable}
1 lb elbow pasta
2 cups Cheddar (extra sharp)
2 cups Monterey Jack Cheese
1 cup Jarlsburg Cheese
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 cups cream
1 1/2 cups whole milk
*1/4 cup Romano Cheese (add on top before baking)
Cook pasta according to package directions to aldente, do not overcook pasta, or it will be mushier when baked in the sauce. Grate all the cheeses.
*alternatively you can use low fat or skim milk in this recipe to reduce the calories and fat. It will still be creamy and delicious.
***If you prefer your mac and cheese less thick and creamier, reduce the amount of cheese you add to half (1 cup Monterey jack, 1 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup Jarlsburg or 2 1/2 cups of shredded cheese of your choice)
I make it both ways, some days I’m in an extra cheesy mood this recipe is great for that,
if I want a creamy mac and cheese I just use 2 1/2 cups cheese.
Prepare a roux in a medium skillet by melting the butter in the pan first then adding the flour to it and stirring it while the flour absorbs the butter and it no longer resembles raw flour.
Slowly add to it the cream and milk while mixing with a whisk on medium heat, stirring continually.
It will create a nice sauce. Add in the cayenne pepper and salt.
Stir in the grated cheeses. Pour over the cooked pasta ( do not rinse pasta). You can serve it like this, but I like it baked, if you do too, place everything in a buttered casserole dish.
Bake at 450 degrees for 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
( I topped it off with 1/4 cup Romano Cheese before baking)
This is very cheesy Mac and Cheese, if you prefer it more “saucy” and less rich, add half the amount of cheese in the recipe, it’s still plenty cheesy and delicious.
If you prefer your mac and cheese crispier, place it under the broiler for a few minutes. This is how my mom likes it, and I’ve should hurry and bring her this, after all she’s been doing for me. I am having her do a project for me that is turning out to be WAY more work that she thought, I of course knew how much work it was going to be and that is why I’m not doing it 🙂 besides she is SO much BETTER on a sewing machine than me. I think I will be receiving the finished project tomorrow, want to take a guess at what it is?
Karen @ Tasty Trials says
March 20, 2012 at 10:22 pmI think I could eat mac and cheese any time of the day, even if I had just eaten a huge meal! This looks amazing!
Lin says
March 21, 2012 at 8:08 amThis looks so delicious!
Kim - Liv Life says
March 21, 2012 at 8:34 amOh, how I love a good bowl of mac n cheese! Both kids have become lactose intolerant in the last two years and if I make this it becomes all for me, so I haven’t made it in years. You’ve got me craving a big bowl though…. beautiful!!!
sweetsugarbelle says
March 21, 2012 at 9:11 amHeaven…I’m in heaven!!!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
March 21, 2012 at 1:24 pmMm, nothing is better or more comforting than a big bowl of homemade mac and cheese. I agree with your mom, the crispy cheesy bits after baking are the best! I’ll definitely be trying out your recipe when I need a good homestyle mac and cheese 🙂
Justine says
March 21, 2012 at 7:06 pmYou have been awarded the Versatile Blogger Award. Stop by my blog to collect your award.
Justine
Queen of Savings
Justine says
March 21, 2012 at 7:22 pmhttp://queenofsavings.com/?p=3780
Christy @ Life of a Modern Housewife says
March 21, 2012 at 7:30 pmOh how I wish Mac and Cheese was healthier for me bc if it were I’d eat it every day…this looks absolutely delicious!!!
http://www.lifeofamodernhousewife.com
Sanjeeta kk says
March 23, 2012 at 4:42 amMac with sauce..always. I posted a similar recipe come time back at my blog, ..need to rty this version soon!
Sue says
March 24, 2012 at 3:25 pmIt looks delicious, Diane! I prefer my mac n’ cheese baked too. It was my favorite meal as a kid and my mom made it for me every bday, so it conjures up a lot of sweet memories.
I have no idea what project you have your mom doing, but if it involves sewing, it is definitely involved(I RARELY sew)! Is it an apron to match your new logo(which I love, by the way)?
Diane says
March 24, 2012 at 5:21 pmoh you guessed something a hadn’t even thought of. She was sewing a slip cover for a love seat, it’s just beautiful. I couldn’t wait to have it in my house again. about 8 years ago I helped her slipcover our family room furniture and it still looks beautiful today, lots of work though 🙂
Magic of Spice says
March 25, 2012 at 11:36 amMac and Cheese is just the greatest of comfort foods…love that gorgeous creamy sauce!
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says
March 25, 2012 at 9:00 pmI was just thinking this week that I’d love some homemade mac & cheese…yours looks so good!!
Ali says
March 26, 2012 at 7:13 amLove your new look!
Diane says
March 26, 2012 at 12:01 pmThank you 🙂 I’m loving it too.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
March 27, 2012 at 2:47 amHmm, now I want to know what your mom is making for you!
Diane says
March 27, 2012 at 6:03 pmshe made a slip cover for a love seat for me 🙂 it’s just beautiful. I LOVE that I get to pick the fabric. I have the fabric in my whole house.
Jackie says
November 20, 2017 at 12:22 amHi Diane
Is the baking temp correct 450 degrees.
Diane says
November 20, 2017 at 12:03 pmno sorry, it should be 350 thanks for bringing that to my attention, I adjusted the recipe to reflect the adjustment.