{"id":19552,"date":"2018-01-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-09-08T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/origin-www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/budget-macaroni-and-cheese\/"},"modified":"2025-02-02T16:37:03","modified_gmt":"2025-02-02T22:37:03","slug":"budget-macaroni-and-cheese","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/budget-macaroni-and-cheese\/","title":{"rendered":"Easy Mac and Cheese"},"content":{"rendered":"
This from-scratch mac and cheese recipe is a big step up from the blue box. In addition to being perfect on its own for lunch or dinner, it also makes a great foundation from which tons of other mac and cheese recipes<\/a> can be born.<\/p>\n For our easy mac and cheese, we start with al dente pasta, then whisk together a bechamel sauce<\/a> and stir in cheddar cheese. The whole recipe can be done in about 20 minutes. Serve this mac as a main dish or as a side paired with other classics like meat loaf<\/a> or pot roast<\/a>.<\/p>\n Cook the macaroni according to the package directions<\/p>\n Editor’s Tip:<\/em> You can also try a\u00a0cold water pasta hack<\/a>, if you’re up for an experiment. Save time by adding your pasta to a skillet filled with a quart of cold water. Bring it to a boil then cook and stir until it’s al dente. It should be faster than bringing a pot of water to a boil.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour, salt and pepper and whisk them until they form a smooth paste.<\/p>\n Editor’s Tip:<\/em> For the best taste, cook the roux for one to two minutes before proceeding to the next step. This ensures the sauce will not have a raw flour taste or texture.<\/p>\n Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking well as you pour. Once all the milk has been added, bring the sauce to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, for two minutes or until it has thickened.<\/p>\n Remove the sauce from the heat, then slowly add the cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese has melted. You should have a luscious, smooth cheese sauce.<\/p>\n Editor’s Tip:<\/em> Don’t be tempted to pour all of your milk in at once. Slowly adding milk to the roux is key to achieving a velvety smooth sauce without lumps or grittiness.<\/p>\n Drain the macaroni, then add the hot pasta to the cheese sauce. Toss to coat the pasta, then serve the mac and cheese warm.<\/p>\n This easy cheddar mac and cheese recipe should be kept refrigerated. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight food storage container for up to four days.<\/p>\n Yes! This easy mac and cheese recipe can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. After cooking, transfer it to a freezer-safe dish and let it cool completely. Then, cover it with a lid or with storage wrap and heavy-duty aluminum foil.<\/p>\n When reheating recipes that contain dairy, low and slow is the name of the game. Frozen mac and cheese should be defrosted in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Once thawed, it can be reheated in the microwave, on the stovetop or in the oven. Here are our best tips for reheating pasta<\/a>.<\/p>\n Mac and cheese needs fat to stay creamy. Always opt for whole milk and full-fat cheese.<\/p>\n Yes, you can bake this easy mac and cheese recipe. To bake it, transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish<\/a>. Top it with additional cheese (or bread crumbs if you’d like a crispy texture), then bake it at 350\u00b0 for 15 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly. You can also pick a\u00a0top-rated baked mac and cheese<\/a> recipe for tailor-made instructions.<\/p>\n Mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser when served as both a side dish and as a main dish. For a lighter meal, serve it with a garden salad<\/a>. You can also pair it with comfort food, like barbecue ribs<\/a>, pan-seared pork chops<\/a>, honey walleye<\/a> or homemade panko chicken tenders<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This easy mac and cheese recipe is perfect for beginners.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7061,"featured_media":2108250,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[304032,306928,306910,304328,304292,305487,303966,304988,303887,306848,307536,306317,304268,307514,306297,304350,324623,303883,305031],"categories-v2":[308623,309924,309906,308988,308984,308481,308305,310796,308495,308935,308478,309603,310514,312180,259483,310497,312156,309001,309177,308476,308975],"coauthors":[206601],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Baked Mac and Cheese","post_link":"\/recipes\/baked-mac-and-cheese\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Baked-Mac-and-Cheese_EXPS_FT24_25257_ST_0206_9.jpg"},{"post_title":"Old-Fashioned 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Cheese","datePublished":"2018-01-01","dateModified":"2025-02-02","prepTime":"PT20M","cookTime":"PT0M","totalTime":"PT20M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Budget-Macaroni-and-Cheese_EXPS_TOHD24_90_JonathanMelendez_05.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Dinner"],"description":"This easy mac and cheese recipe is perfect for beginners. Enjoy it as a side or use it as a blank canvas to paint your mac and cheese masterpiece with add-ins and spices.","recipeIngredient":["1 package (7 ounces) elbow macaroni","3 tablespoons butter","3 tablespoons all-purpose flour","1\/4 teaspoon salt","Dash pepper","1 cup whole milk","1 cup shredded cheddar cheese"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Cook the pasta","text":"Cook the macaroni according to the package directions Editor's Tip: You can also try a cold water pasta hack, if you're up for an experiment. Save time by adding your pasta to a skillet filled with a quart of cold water. Bring it to a boil then cook and stir until it's al dente. It should be faster than bringing a pot of water to a boil.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Easy-Mac-and-Cheese-Recipe-TOHD24_90_JonathanMelendez_01.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Make the roux","text":"Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour, salt and pepper and whisk them until they form a smooth paste. Editor's Tip: For the best taste, cook the roux for one to two minutes before proceeding to the next step. This ensures the sauce will not have a raw flour taste or texture."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Add milk and cheese","text":"Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking well as you pour. Once all the milk has been added, bring the sauce to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, for two minutes or until it has thickened. Remove the sauce from the heat, then slowly add the cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese has melted. You should have a luscious, smooth cheese sauce. Editor's Tip: Don't be tempted to pour all of your milk in at once. Slowly adding milk to the roux is key to achieving a velvety smooth sauce without lumps or grittiness.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Easy-Mac-and-Cheese-Recipe-TOHD24_90_JonathanMelendez_02.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Stir in the pasta","text":"Drain the macaroni, then add the hot pasta to the cheese sauce. Toss to coat the pasta, then serve the mac and cheese warm.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Easy-Mac-and-Cheese-Recipe-TOHD24_90_JonathanMelendez_03.jpg?fit=700,1024"}],"recipeYield":"4 servings","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Lauren Habermehl"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 412 calories","fatContent":"20g fat (13g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"61mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"437mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"44g carbohydrate (5g sugars","fiberContent":"2g fiber)","proteinContent":"15g protein. "},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":3.7333333,"reviewCount":15,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"review":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2012-12-04","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"GoldBox"},"reviewBody":"After making this recipe we tasted too much flour and not enough seasonings and cheese.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":3,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2015-01-11","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"CyanChilli"},"reviewBody":"We made this for Thanksgiving (just the 2 of us). It was good. I definitely think the flavor should be kicked up a notch when making it again as it did taste a little too much like flour. :)","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":3,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2014-02-17","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"OrangeCoathanger"},"reviewBody":"I added extra 1\/2 cup of pepper cheese and kicked the flavor up a bit. Also put it under the broiler for a few minutes for a little extra crunch.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2012-12-09","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"OrangeTag"},"reviewBody":"Good and easy to make.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2010-10-07","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"GoldApple"},"reviewBody":"I usually don't particularly care for mac&cheese. This recipe was excellent. In order to make this dish a little healthier, I used fat free milk, 2% fat shredded cheddar cheese, & whipped butter. I did add an extra tbsp or 2 of milk, then I placed the mac&cheese in a baking dish sprayed with cooking spray & sprinkled 1\/4 cup of cheese on top. Baked @375 for 15 or 20 minutes until it lightly browned.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2011-07-10","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"GoldScissors"},"reviewBody":"Just made this to bring for a cookout. It turned out delicious as is but to give it a little more of a kick I added some sour cream, paprika, and ground mustard. I also topped it with extra cheddar cheese!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2011-02-08","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"OliveLocomotive"},"reviewBody":"So simple! I can't believe it tasted so good and was easy. I may never make boxed mac and cheese again.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2011-02-19","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"PurpleCoffee"},"reviewBody":"This was good. Very easy to make. I added extra cheese when serving since I did not think it was cheesy enough. I used mild cheddar. Maybe next time I'll try sharp.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2011-02-22","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"OrangeBlowdryer"},"reviewBody":"I made this recipe as written. The end result was not to my liking. It was creamy but tasted too much like flour. It was edible but dull and not worth the calories. I won't make it again.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":2,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2011-06-17","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"BlueHelmet"},"reviewBody":"I used a 12 oz. package of Wacky Mac Veggie pasta shapes, I increased the milk by a 1\/2 cup and used a blend of shredded Cheddar and Montery Jack cheese. I added a pound of sliced turkey dogs. Everybody liked this.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2010-12-02","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"GreenPuzzle"},"reviewBody":"This is the only homemade macaroni and cheese recipe we use! It is so yummy!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2011-12-31","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"OrangeBowtie"},"reviewBody":"Nothing special. More like a box recipie.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":1,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2009-11-04","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"CyanHat"},"reviewBody":"So easy and so good! My 10 month old devoured this and I was happy because it's healthier than the traditional boxed macaroni & cheese! My husband liked it as well and he's not a fan of macaroni and cheese. Will definitely be keeping this recipe close!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2009-01-13","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"OliveElephant"},"reviewBody":"Easy and delicious! My toddler loves this. I often use sharp cheddar cheese, which adds additional flavor.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2017-12-19","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"RedWheel"},"reviewBody":"awful, sticky, tasted like paste","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":1,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}}]},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"90","romance_copy_dek":"This easy mac and cheese recipe is perfect for beginners. 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Taste Recipes has the best macaroni and cheese recipes from real cooks like you, featuring reviews, ratings, how-to videos and tips.","parent":312156,"count":219,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/pasta-dishes\/macaroni-cheese\/"}],"meta_data":{"enhanced_fields":{"enhanced_recipe_title":"Budget Easy Mac and Cheese"}},"analytics":[],"yoast_head":"\nEasy Mac and Cheese Ingredients<\/h2>\n
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Directions<\/h2>\n
Step 1: Cook the pasta<\/h3>\n
JONATHAN MELENDEZ FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 2: Make the roux<\/h3>\n
Step 3: Add milk and cheese<\/h3>\n
JONATHAN MELENDEZ FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 4: Stir in the pasta<\/h3>\n
JONATHAN MELENDEZ FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
JONATHAN MELENDEZ FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Recipe Variations<\/h2>\n
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How to Store Easy Mac and Cheese<\/h2>\n
Can you freeze easy mac and cheese?<\/h3>\n
How do you reheat easy mac and cheese?<\/h3>\n
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Easy Mac and Cheese Tips<\/h2>\n
JONATHAN MELENDEZ FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
How do you keep mac and cheese creamy?<\/h3>\n
Can you bake this easy mac and cheese recipe?<\/h3>\n
What can you serve with easy mac and cheese?<\/h3>\n