Easy Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Just last weekend I needed to make a side to take to a dinner with friends. I decided to go with a great comfort food dish that I have been eating since I was a little kid: my Aunt Nancy's macaroni and cheese recipe! The only problem was I didn't actually have a copy of the recipe. So, I reached out to my Aunt for it and she agreed to give it to me on one condition... that I share the recipe on here! Not a problem, especially since it is super easy and tasty!

What I love most about this recipe: it's only 7 ingredients! The macaroni and cheese comes out creamy but not overly heavy or rich. The main tip I will share when you purchase ingredients is to make sure to buy a quality brand of American cheese and have it fresh sliced in the deli. The better brands, like Land O' Lakes or Boar's Head, are less processed and will melt into the sauce much better!

Below are a few directions and tips for cooking. Scroll to the bottom for the printable recipe!

Macaroni and Cheese Prep...

Cook the elbow macaroni...

Before starting the sauce I would recommend to start cooking your pasta. Cook the entire box of elbow macaroni according the directions on the box. Drain and set aside.

Make a roux...

Roux is just a fancy word for a mixture of butter and flour to use for thickening a sauce. It is the very first step in this recipe. All you need to do is allow the butter to melt in the pan then add the flour and salt/pepper. Then you allow it to cook on low heat until bubbling.

Add milk slowly and mix constantly...

Increase the heat to medium. Add the milk to the roux a little at a time, stirring constantly. Once it is all added you need to continue stirring until it thickens and is bubbling. It does take a little while to thicken, so be patient!

Add cheese slices...

Again, I highly recommend using fresh sliced deli cheese. Brands like Land O'Lakes and Boars Head are better quality and will melt smoothly in the sauce.

Drop the cheese slices into the sauce one at a time. Stirring with a whisk until smooth.

Combine pasta and sauce...

Add the cooked macaroni noodles to a greased 13x9 baking dish. Pour sauce evenly over macaroni. Stir to evenly coat the noodles with sauce.

Top and Bake...

Top with small pieces of cheese and dot with butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until bubbling throughout.

Enjoy your homemade Macaroni and Cheese!

Homemade Macaroni & Cheese

A really easy recipe for homemade mac & cheese. Creamy and delicious every time.

• 1 pound macaroni ((cooked))
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 dash pepper ((to taste))
• 2 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/2 pound American cheese slices ((yellow))

1. Make a roux with the flour, butter, salt and pepper.

2. Cook on low until bubbling.

3. Add milk a little at a time, stirring constantly.

4. Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly, until bubbling and thick.

5. Drop the cheese slices in one at a time and whisk until smooth.

6. Pour cooked macaroni noodles into greased 13x9 dish.

7. Pour cheese sauce over noodles. Stir to evenly coat.

8. Dot with butter and place small pieces of cheese slices on top.

9. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until bubbling.

For another great comfort food side dish check out my recipe for cheesy Hash brown Potato Casserole!