Macaroni and Cheese
The original post I wrote for my Macaroni and Cheese recipe was entitled It Ain't Fancy. I shared the story of my Grandma Phyllis and her recipe for Mac 'n Cheese. My Grandma & Grandpa didn't have a whole lot of money and they made due with what they had and instead of dishing out extras, they dished out a whole lot of love.
And I think that's how it goes with a lot of families. Still to this day when I make Mac 'n Cheese I giggle about Grandma Phyllis and the sense of humor she had and her smile and appreciate how she loved her family.
Today is different. This isn't the normal kinda meal you see on my site. I mostly stick with healthy fresh food - not a whole lot of pasta or heavy food.
Like I said, today is different. It's the holidays - I've decorated our home, I've pulled out ornaments and memories. Thinking about times past, so I'm going to share this meal for Meatless Monday - Macaroni and Cheese. I've taken Grandma Phyllis's recipe and changed it just a bit.
I'm looking for a little more POW - not just cheesy goodness but also some big flavor and I got it by making just a few tweaks to her recipe. Don't worry though... I haven't ruined it 😀 I've added just a few things that make it a touch better (in my humble opinion!).
Things like hot sauce, powdered mustard and grated cheese.
It's all good...right?
Ain't much more comforting than a bowl of Macaroni & Cheese!
Making the sauce is easy - after cooking the pasta use the same pot and begin by adding butter, cheese, half and half and the spices to a large heavy pot - place it over medium heat.
Cooking and whisk everything together until it becomes smooth and creamy - add the pasta back in and wa-la! You are done!
It's simple, an easy 15 minute meal. No baking involved!
Macaroni and cheese doesn't make a weekly occurrence in our home. It's saved for special times when you need just an extra amount of <3 !!
More great pasta recipes!
Recipes don't have to be complicated to be delicious, right? This recipe for Velveeta Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole is case in point! It's rich and hearty and a great mixture of your favorite chili recipe with yummy cheese!
- Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese - quick and easy to make, this is a hearty comforting meal.
- Creamy Lemon Pasta - light, lemony - easy to make and delicious. A great easy meal!
- Homemade Alfredo Sauce 30 Minute Meal - simple, rich and delicious. Hands-down better than what comes in a jar.
- Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells - stuffed with chicken, ranch mix and bacon this is one super meal!
- 30 Minute Pasta Primavera Bowl - filled with veggies and pasta, this is the best simple meal.
Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz box shell or elbow pasta
- 1 cup cubed Velveeta Cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup half & half
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoons hot sauce I used Tabasco
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large stock pot with lots of water (that's been salted)* cook the pasta according to package directions to aldente'. Drain the pasta well but do not rinse.
- While the pasta is draining, add all of the remaining ingredients to the pot. Stir and whisk it well until it melts completely. It will become smooth and creamy.
- When the sauce is completely smooth - about 5 minutes - add in the cooked pasta. Mix well to combine..
Nutrition
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I left Grandma Phyllis's recipe just like she made it here below!
Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz . box shell or elbow pasta
- 2 cups cubed Velveeta Cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup to ¾ half & half or whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large stock pot with lots of water (that's been salted)* cook the pasta according to package directions to aldente'. Drain the pasta well but do not rinse.
- While the pasta is draining, add the butter to the stock pot, when it melts add the cubed Velveeta Cheese & pour the cooked pasta on top.
- Give it several good stirs. Add ½ cup half & half and continue stirring until the cheese melts thru. Season with salt & pepper. If the cheese sauce for the pasta is too stiff, add more milk.
- That's it, it's done and ready to serve!
Nutrition
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*How much salt do you put in the water when cooking pasta? When you're cooking a pound of pasta you should have lots of water - 5-6 quarts, add at least 1 tablespoon - I add a small palm full to the water. It will help flavor the pasta. Also, when you first add pasta to the boiling water, give it a good stir. Stir it several times during the cooking process. Stirring it will help exude the starch which helps keep it light & fluffy!
If you like pasta, be sure to check out my recipe for Creamy Lemon Pasta. it's one of the most popular recipes on my site - lighter than my Macaroni and Cheese recipe - incredibly easy & delicious!
Cecilia MyThriftStoreAddiction says
This looks so good! Blessings, Cecilia
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Cecelilia!
Diana says
That is real comfort food! I love mac n cheese but haven't made it in ages!
Bowl Me Over says
Yes, I think the phrase comfort food was made for Mac 'n cheese! 😀 Time to get the noodles out Diana! 😀
Kate says
Fabulous comfort food. I love that you've added a kick from hot sauce as well.
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Kate - love that spicy bite!
Luci {Luci's Morsels} says
I adore mac and cheese and this super creamy version looks so easy to make! I can't wait to give it a whirl!
Luci's Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.
Bowl Me Over says
Report back Luci, I'd love to hear what you think of this yummy meal!
Elizabeth @ SugarHero.com says
Mac and cheese is my ultimate comfort food! Your version is just how I like it--simple, fast, and full of delicious cheese!
Bowl Me Over says
yum, yum, yum - best kind! Thanks Elizabeth!!
Brian Jones says
Aint nothing wrong with something loaded with cream, butter and cheese once in a while 😀
Bowl Me Over says
I like the way you think Brian! We need to hang out more often! 😀
Healing Tomato says
You HAVE achieved the "POW" factor with this recipe!! All that melted cheese is making me drool and hungry. Yum!!
Bowl Me Over says
AWESOME!! Drool-worthy is the best description ever! Thank you Healing Tomato!!!
Divya Prakash says
This looks so yummy. My son loves Mac and cheese. Will try your version soon for him.
Joanne T Ferguson says
I could so go for some of this now! Thanks for sharing at the Say G'day Party! Pinned all and look forward to seeing you on Saturday!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks so much Joanne! Always look forward to your party - see you soon!
Carlee says
I love creamy mac and cheese. This one looks like a winner!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks so much Carlee!!
Dee Dee (My Midlife Kitchen) says
I have never met a mac & cheese I didn't like. OK, love. OK, devour. :o) And let's face it--while Velveeta ain't good for many things, it's PERFECT for a gooey and creamy mac & cheese. Yum!
Bowl Me Over says
Oh yes indeed! I agree 100% - thanks for stopping by Dee Dee!
Manila Spoon says
This looks so creamy-licious - comfort food deliciousness in a bowl!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you!
kristy @ the wicked noodle says
Mac n Cheese is ALWAYS a good choice! It never goes out of style and yours looks wonderfully creamy and cheesy!
Bowl Me Over says
Mac n Cheese - that's so much! Thanks for stopping by Kristy!
Sara says
My girls LOVE mac and cheese, they would eat it every day if I let them! This looks like a great version, can't wait to try it.
Bowl Me Over says
I cook for my Mother-in-Law each week and she always requests this! Just a big kid! 😀
Thrifty DIY Diva says
I love a good mac n cheese recipe! This one looks so creamy I'd bet it would be hard to eat just one bowl!
Bowl Me Over says
Good point! Self control.....sometimes more important than other times! 😉