Creamy Homestyle Mac & Cheese

Mac & Cheese please!  As a mom, I know you have many request for Mac & Cheese.  Kids love it!  I know my son could probably eat Mac & Cheese everyday as an afterschool snack alone.

Whenever I can, I like to make the real stuff, the good stuff, made from scratch.  My son loves it and I know he is getting a better meal.  This recipe is creamy, cheesy goodness …perfect as a side dish or ready to stand alone as a hearty main meal, serve with a salad and you have one happy kid.  🙂

• Servings: 8
• Difficulty: easy
• Print

By:  Arl’s World

Ingredients 

• ¹⁄₂ cup butter or ¹⁄₂ cup margarine
• ¹⁄₂ cup flour
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon pepper, to taste
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups half and half
• 2 cups milk
• 2 (10 ounce) packages sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• 1 (10 ounce) package extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 (16 ounce) package rigatoni pasta or elbow macaroni, cooked

Directions

1. In a big skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
2. Whisk the flour in gradually until the mixture is smooth.
3. Cook and whisk continually for 2 minutes.
4. Add in salt, pepper, cayenne, and garlic; stir to combine.
5. Gradually whisk in half-and-half and milk.
6. Cook and whisk continually for 8-10 minutes or until mixture is thick.
7. Add in half of the sharp cheddar cheese; stir.
8. Add in all the extra-sharp cheddar cheese; stir until smooth.
9. Take skillet off stove burner.
10. Mix together the cooked macaroni and cheese mixture; transfer to a greased 13×9 inch casserole dish.
11. Sprinkle with the remaining sharp cheddar cheese.
12. Sprinkle with bread crumbs (optional)
13. Bake in a 350° oven for 20 minutes

Happy Eating!