How to Make Homemade Mac & Cheese

Macaroni and cheese doesn't have to come out of a box. It is one of the easiest pasta recipes to make and is filling, cheap and delicious. With dozens of variants, it need never become boring. Serve this simple recipe with a salad or package it into bowls as a snack to microwave in one to two minutes.

Things You'll Need

• 6 to 8 quart pot
• 4 to 6 quarts of water
• 1 to 2 tablespoons salt for water
• 1 1/2 cup elbow macaroni
• Mixing spoon
• Large sieve or colander
• 2 cups mild cheddar cheese
• Large mixing bowl
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 quart glass or ceramic loaf pan

Instructions

Pasta

1. Put the water in your pot and season with 1 to 2 tablespoons of salt. Leave space at the top of the pan to prevent the water from boiling over.

2. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

3. Add the pasta, stir it and then cover.

4. Cook the pasta according to package directions (usually 10 to 12 minutes).

5. Drain the pasta in the colander.

6. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sauce

1. Separate half a cup of cheese from the rest and put it aside for later.

2. Combine 1 1/2 cups cheese, milk and butter in large bowl. Mix thoroughly until it is a smooth sauce (microwave the butter to soften it if needed).

3. Add the cooked pasta and mix it thoroughly into the sauce.

4. Add salt and pepper to taste.

5. Place pasta-sauce mix in the Pyrex or ceramic loaf dish.

Baking

1. Bake the mixture, uncovered, for 25 minutes.

2. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining half-cup of shredded cheese.

3. Bake for another 10 minutes, or until the extra cheese has melted.

4. Remove your mac and cheese from the oven and serve.

Tips & Warnings

• A fresh green salad is a great complement to homemade mac and cheese. This dish can be spiced up with chili powder, chopped onion or a stronger cheddar. You can replace the half cup of cheddar with Parmesan or other hard cheese.

• Do not overcook, as mac and cheese burns easily.