“Easy Mac and Cheese”

So what’s the weather like where you are? As it would happen I am watching it snow outside my patio door and bracing myself for what is the biggest snowfall this winter to date. Being lucky enough to have the day off after a snowstorm is a plus in my book. Did all my grocery shopping before the snow came so I was ready to start cooking. On days like this I’m always thinking about comfort food, the stick to your ribs kind of food. My thoughts brought me to my Easy Mac and Cheese for another reason, it is Black History Month. Picked up American cheese and elbow macaroni during my shopping excursion. My refrigerator had everything else and that was a miracle in itself.

Easy Mac and Cheese

Since February is Black History Month, I thought I would share some of my favorite recipes from my Southern family. My Easy Mac and Cheese is one of those recipes. Who doesn’t love Mac and Cheese? If you’re not a cheese lover, I’m sorry and you don’t know what you’re missing. Following my blog you know I’ve been cooking since I was a kid and mac and cheese is a family favorite, served year around at all family gatherings. Every family member has their own creation and each equally as good. As long as a baking dish showed up from someone, dinner was complete. My Mom was amazed at how I came up with this recipe for Easy Mac and Cheese and wondered why she never thought of it. So hold on to your fork and get ready to dig in the simplest, easiest way to make quick mac and cheese any day of the week.

Easy Mac and Cheese

To make Easy Mac and Cheese, cook macaroni in boiling salted water according to package directions. While macaroni is cooking, cube American cheese and set aside. Drain and place macaroni into a buttered 13×9-inch baking dish. Add in cubed butter and American cheese, stirring to start melting. Spread macaroni evenly in baking dish. Pour in milk and half & half just until pasta is covered. Sprinkle top with black pepper and bake in a 350 degree oven until bubbly and cheese sauce coats the back of an inserted spoon. Do not over bake as the cheese sauce will thicken as it cools. The top will become brown and bubble up while baking. Poke down top so the mac and cheese does not boil out of baking dish. Let cool 15 minutes before serving.

Easy Mac and Cheese

Easy Mac and Cheese is definitely kid tested and Mom approved. What kid doesn’t like mac and cheese? I love the brown crispy cheese layer that forms while baking. It’s the best. American cheese keeps your cheese sauce from separating and remains creamy. No more craving mac and cheese and not making this classic because a white sauce takes too long. I’m giving you the simplest way to please your family anytime when that craving hits. Got an hour, you got time. Enjoy my take on an easy Southern classic, Easy Mac and Cheese.

Easy Mac and Cheese

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (4 cups cooked)

1 pound deli American cheese, cubed (Land O’Lakes)

1 cup half & half

2 to 2 1/2 cups milk (2%)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, divided

Fresh ground black pepper

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 13×9 baking dish; set aside. Cook macaroni according to package directions to al-dente, drain and pour into prepared 13×9 baking dish.

Add in 1/4 cup butter and American cheese, stir to combine. Pour in half & half and add enough milk to just cover macaroni. You will most likely use all the milk. Sprinkle lightly with black pepper. Bake for 1 hour or until browned and bubbly.

Do not over bake. Check about half way through to punch down browning top. Cheese sauce will coat back of spoon when done yet still creamy. Sauce will thicken upon sitting. Let sit 10 – 15 minutes before serving.