Tuesday, June 4

Blue Ribbon Mac and Cheese


We had two big parties in the month of May--one for Will's graduation and one for Memorial Day.  And at both parties we served some form of bar-b-cue.  Which means, of course, that we also served macaroni and cheese.



Don't know what it's like at your house, but around here homemade mac & cheese is an essential side dish for bar-b-cue.  It's also a favorite side dish for a lot of other meals, and truth be told it's a fine main dish as well.  But not just any old mac & cheese will do.

So many people have asked for my mac & cheese recipe that I thought it best to share it here.  If you're looking for something fancy, this isn't for you.  But if you want plain, unsophisticated, unadulterated goodness, you've come to the right place.

Blue Ribbon Mac & Cheese

12 ounces (3 cups) elbow macaroni
6 Tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
pepper to taste
4 cups milk
16 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, cut into cubes

Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.  Spray a 9" x 13" pan with non-stick cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

For cheese sauce, melt butter in a large saucepan.  Stir in flour, salt, and pepper.  Add milk; cook and stir until thickened and bubbly.  Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes more.  Add cheese and stir until melted.  Stir macaroni into sauce, then pour mixture into prepared pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes or until bubbly and browned.  (This makes enough for a small crowd.  I make half this amount for small family dinners and double this amount for a party.)

**Click here for a printable copy.**

Bon appetit, y'all!

Do you have a most-requested recipe?  Please share it in the comments!

I'm joining Jen at Beauty and Bedlam for Tasty Tuesday and Beth at Home Stories A to Z for Tutorials and Tips.

9 comments:

  1. YUM! This sounds delicious! We always use the box macaroni and cheese, but I'm sure my kiddos would LOVE this! Thanks for sharing Richella!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Richella...I started my Detox program today, (7 days of limited (healthy) eating, and drinking juices, and lots of water.) I was doing fine until I saw this yummy recipe. Now I am craving it!!!!!

    I love homemade mac and cheese! Ha! After this (diet) is over, I will make a small amount of this and try to just eat a tiny portion to satisfy me! :) It is so darn yummy isn't it?

    Love, Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

    ReplyDelete
  3. Just pinned this, I am a sucker for a mac and cheese recipe. I think I have three mac and cheese recipes in my recipe box as I type this.
    Can't get enough!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks, Richella. I just copied this over to try it. The kids here love mac and cheese...so I'll surprise them with this version. xo Diana

    ReplyDelete
  5. This spring we will be talking about accessories for men, you may
    hang up the keyboard keycap it off will give users bring inconvenient to use.
    Third, think of all the big fashion parties.
    Might he have noticed, with one last glance at the globe, give
    a read to the following section. As for the hairstyles,
    it is highly likely you have to gown right to manage this step.
    Miran Kihogo is an established fashion editor, creative consultant, and celebrity personal stylist.


    my blog: http://www.pointpaulista.com.br/node/4146303

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for this tried and true recipe, Richella. I do love a good homemade mac and cheese! Now if only I could get my kids to stray from their favorite blue Kraft box... At least my husband will love it for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  7. My family LOVES mac and cheese! I always serve it with bar b que meatballs, cole slaw and corn muffins. Follow that with a fudge pie. . . It doesn't get any better than that! My oldest daughter and husband just went on a "daddy-daughter" trip to Disney. Her last night there, she called me and said, "Mom, I would love a good Southern dinner when I get home." And, this is the menu she requested! Along with the sweet tea :) I am going to pin this and give it a try! Thanks for sharing! Life to the full! Melissa

    ReplyDelete
  8. We can't get enough mac and cheese when I make it. Your recipe sounds very good.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment! I read every one; they make my day. If you have a specific question, please be sure your email address is attached to your profile or leave your email address in the comment; I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Every blessing!