Easiest Mac and Cheese Ever

What’s on your back to school menu list?    Do you find that when school starts, your menu changes?  I know that mine does.  Suddenly I am more prepared for weeknight dinners than I was during the summer, we are eating quicker and easier to make foods, and actually eating at a decent hour.  All that being said, that means my recipes become easier and more filling….like this Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese that I am going to share with you today.

Macaroni and cheese makes me happy.  Doesn’t it make everyone happy? While I may have grown up on the boxed version, my tastes have changed to richer, creamier, homemade version. I had no idea how easy it was to make macaroni and cheese from simple ingredients, right in my own oven. This recipe has made it into our weekly dinners, mainly as a side dish. My kiddos gobble it up, and there are never any leftovers.  If there are just a few of us home for dinner, the recipe can be easily halved and made for a smaller crowd.  Today, I am excited to share this with you! I am sure your family will love it!

Ingredients for Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese

1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

3 Tablespoons butter

2 Tablespoons flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups milk

8 ounces shredded cheese {For this particular batch I used a bag of Colby-Jack cheese, but any variety will work}

Heat the oven to 350 degrees.

Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente.  Spread in the the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.

Melt the butter, flour, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat.  I like to use the pan I had just cooked the pasta in to save on dishes.

Add the milk to the butter/flour mixture, and stir continuously with a wire whisk until the mixture thickens.  Once it is thick, add the cheese and stir until melted.

Pour the cheese mixture into the pasta.  I like to spread it out a bit over the top, to make sure it is evenly distributed for baking.  Bake for 35 minutes, or until just golden brown on top.

Along with the fact that I have all the ingredients typically on hand for this dish, I also love how easy it is to make, and my kids LOVE it.  We don’t even miss the boxed version at all. Plus, you can use shells, penne…not just elbows.  Whatever you want! While it’s baking, I can easily make lunches for the next day, set the table, and get the main dish prepared.  So easy, cheesy, and GOOD!