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sandy's homemade mac & cheese

(1 rating)
Recipe by
Sandy Lowery
Arlington, VA

Homemade Mac & Cheese is so rare nowadays at gatherings...its easier out of a box. Like Mashed Potatoes, Homemade Mac & Cheese is worth the extra effort! I would also like to add, that being in a metropolitan area makes it easier for me to find certain cheeses shredded that some small town grocers might not have available. I love Colby & Jack in this recipe, but if you don't have that extra time to shred a couple of blocks of cheese, feel free to substitute shredded mexican-style cheese mix that most grocers have available. (This translates to (2) 2-cup packages)

(1 rating)
yield 5 serving(s)
prep time 15 Min
cook time 40 Min

Ingredients For sandy's homemade mac & cheese

  • 2 c
    colby cheese, shredded (i can find this prepackaged, but if shredding yourself, this will increase prep time by 15 min)
  • 2 c
    cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 stick
    butter, melted
  • 2 can
    evaporated milk (or 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk as per your preference)
  • 1 pkg
    cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 box
    elbow pasta
  • 2 c
    monterey jack cheese, shredded (i can find this prepackaged, but if shredding yourself, this will increase prep time by 15 min)
  • 1 Tbsp
    ground black pepper
  • 6 c
    (at least) water for boiling
  • 1 tsp
    onion powder (optional)

How To Make sandy's homemade mac & cheese

  • 1
    Prep: In large bowl, mix colby, cheddar, and monterey jack cheeses together. Reserve 2 cups. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • 2
    Bring water to boil in large pot. Add pasta and return to boil for 8-12 minutes until al dente consistency. Drain. (Helpful tip: I find that if I add a splash of olive oil to the pot right before I add the pasta it helps keep the pasta from sticking.)
  • 3
    While pasta is boiling, heat butter and 1 can evaporated milk (or 3/4 cup of buttermilk) till hot. Slowly add cream cheese until creamy.
  • 4
    Alternate adding cheese mix and remaining milk until cheese is melted and smooth. (Please note: you may not use all of the milk. I don't know why, but sometimes I need all of it, and sometimes I have some left over.)
  • 5
    In large bowl or pot, combine and stir the drained pasta, cheese sauce, and pepper (and onion powder if using.) Spread into large baking dish.
  • 6
    Sprinkle reserved cheese on top of macaroni mixture, and bake for 15 minutes until melted.

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