Comforting Macaroni and Cheese

Written by Anza Goodbar (last updated March 18, 2020)

When I was a kid, Kraft mac-n-cheese was one of my all-time favorite side dishes. As I grew older, I realized there were other ways to prepare macaroni that was more flavorful and satisfying. Pasta is a great substitute to potatoes with most any entree.

As far as comfort food goes, this has to be my favorite all time recipe. Couple it with southern-style green beans and my Grandma's southern fried chicken and you've got a meal!

Ingredients

  • 3 Cups uncooked elbow macaroni noodles
  • 4 Tablespoons butter
  • 4 Tablespoons flour
  • 1/2 Cup canned milk
  • 2 Cup half and half
  • 1/2 Teaspoon paprika
  • 1 Teaspoons coarse ground black pepper
  • 2 Cups sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 Cup Colby cheese
  • 1 Cup mild cheddar cheese
  • 1 Cup gouda cheese
  • 16 Ounces cream cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Cook macaroni in boiling salted water according to package directions.
  3. Drain well.
  4. Set aside.
  5. Melt butter in large saucepan over low heat.
  6. Use a whisk to blend in flour.
  7. Stir constantly until bubbly and smooth.
  8. Gradually stir in milk, half and half and cheeses.
  9. Cook 2-3 minutes or until cheeses have melts and the mixture thickens.
  10. Remove from heat.
  11. Add paprika, pepper and salt to taste.
  12. Add macaroni.
  13. Stir until well mixed.
  14. Pour into 9 x 13 baking pan.
  15. Top with home make croutons.
  16. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly.

Homemade macaroni gets even better if there is time to bake it with homemade croutons. I like to take a loaf of sourdough French bread and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Spread the cubes onto a large baking dish. Take a pastry brush and cover each side with melted butter and garlic salt. Place them under the broiler until lightly toasted, flip and toast the backside of the bread. Place on top of macaroni halfway through baking. The croutons make a crunchy, buttery addition to an old-time favorite.

If I am making the macaroni the main dish, I often fry up a pound of thick-cut peppered bacon and crumble it on top of the macaroni before adding the croutons. It adds nice flavor and protein to the recipe. Cubed ham can also used to add variety.

Author Bio

Anza Goodbar

Anza is a single mother of four who makes her home in Colorado. She enjoys writing, hiking and is an avid football and hockey fan. She is the owner of a virtual business services company; writing is just one of the many services her company offers. ...

MORE FROM ANZA

How to Use Glycerine in Beauty Care

Glycerin is a common component in basic beauty products like soap, lotion, toothpaste and deodorant. Glycerine's natural ...

Discover More

Swimwear Fashion Strategies

When choosing a swimsuit, consider body type to achieve the most flattering look. Many swimsuit designers offer two-piece ...

Discover More

Understanding Interest Rates

Interest rates are the fee charged for borrowing money. Interest rates can be directly tied to your credit score.

Discover More
More Cooking Tips

Spaghetti Pie

Italian food is always a family favorite. This recipe adds a twist to traditional spaghetti and meatballs.

Discover More

Delicious Spaghetti Sauce

You can get spaghetti just about anywhere, but nothing is quite so good as homemade spaghetti. Here's a recipe for ...

Discover More

Storing Homemade Pasta

Chances are pretty good that if you have some homemade pasta that you won't be using it all at the same time. That leaves ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is five more than 3?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)