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There are few comfort foods I love as much as homemade macaroni and cheese. Even if it takes a little longer than the mac’n’cheese from a box, it is so worth it.

Perhaps it’s the mix of pasta and creamy melted cheese or maybe it’s just the memories I associate with mac ‘n cheese. My kids also love it when I make this dish from a box if I am short on time.

However, nothing delights my family as much when I make this creamy macaroni and cheese recipe from scratch. The effort is so worth it!

This is not meant to be a low fat or fat free recipe. I used heavy cream but you can substitute it for half and half if you want to cut down the fat content.

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb or 226 gr of elbow macaroni
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 stick of butter
• 1/4 cup of all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups of sharp cheddar
• 1 cups of mild cheddar
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1/2 tsp of pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375F or 190C. Boil macaroni noodles in about 5-6 cups of water until al dente. Strain macaroni and set aside.
• Melt the butter. Whisk flour into the butter and cook for about 1 min.
• Add in half and half or heavy cream. Continue to stir periodically while on medium high heat. It will thicken when it comes to a boil.
• Fold in cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and sour cream.
• Reduce the heat to low and allow the cheese to melt down into a sauce for about 3 mins.
• Add in the cooked pasta and mix completely.
• Pour mixture into baking dish and top with more shredded cheese.
• Bake about 20 mins until golden brown and bubbly.

Origins of mac and cheese

The origins of macaroni and cheese can be traced back to Italy. The dish has its roots in a variety of pasta and cheese casseroles that were popular in medieval Italy. The first known recorded recipe for a dish resembling macaroni and cheese dates back to the 13th century in the Liber de Coquina, a medieval cookbook.

However, the modern version of macaroni and cheese that is familiar to many people today is more closely associated with North America. Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, is often credited with popularizing macaroni and cheese in the United States. He is said to have encountered the dish while visiting Italy and brought back a pasta machine and a recipe. He served the dish at a state dinner in 1802, and it eventually gained popularity in the United States.

In the 20th century, with the advent of processed cheese and the introduction of boxed macaroni and cheese products, the dish became more convenient and accessible, solidifying its place as a staple comfort food in American cuisine. Today, macaroni and cheese is enjoyed in various forms and recipes around the world.

What to serve with mac and cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas for what you can serve with mac and cheese:

1. Vegetables:
   • Steamed broccoli
   • Roasted Brussels sprouts
   • Sautéed spinach
   • Grilled asparagus
2. Proteins:
   • Grilled chicken or turkey
   • Baked or grilled fish
   • Pulled pork
3. Salads:
   • Caesar salad
   • Garden salad with a light vinaigrette
   • Coleslaw
4. Breads:
   • Garlic bread
   • Dinner rolls
   • Cornbread
5. Soups:
   • Tomato soup
   • Broccoli cheddar soup
   • Minestrone soup

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your preferences and the occasion. The goal is to balance the creamy and cheesy macaroni and cheese with other textures and flavors to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

More easy pasta recipes

• Cheesy chicken-stuffed pasta shells
• Chicken bow tie pasta
• Easy Pasta Alla Vodka Recipe
• Easy Cheesy Ravioli Bake

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