Macaroni & Cheese - Easy and Cheesy

Submitted by Diana 2

"If you are among the many who can't seem to get the hang of making a roux for a bechamel sauce, then this is the Mac & Cheese recipe for you. Couldn't be easier, and just as good as the old standby method. I have made a few alterations to the ingredients, but the method is the same. I believe it came from Southern Living, but I can never be sure :). Note: I use Old Cheddar. Sharp would work well also."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 5mins
• Ingredients: 11
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 473.18 ml macaroni, I used shells
• 4.92 ml salt
• 473.18 ml milk
• 59.14 ml all-purpose flour
• 2.46 ml black pepper
• 9.85 ml basil, freeze dried
• 1.23 ml Tabasco sauce (optional)
• 118.29 ml onion, diced
• 946.36 ml cheddar cheese, shredded
• 118.29 ml cheddar cheese, shredded
• 118.29 ml dry breadcrumbs

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350*.
2. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Place milk, flour, pepper, basil and tabasco in a lidded container. Shake for about a minute to blend.
4. In a large bowl combine cooked pasta, milk/flour mixture, onions and 4 cups of cheese. Stir well.
5. Pour into a lightly greased baking dish. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.
6. Bake for 45 minutes or until brown and bubbly.

Reviews

[Chef shapeweaver]

I made thisrecipe on 7/6/09 as part of mine and SO's dinner. And it was made as written except for cutting it in half. And since it was cut down, the baking time was reduced to 30 minutes. The end result was very dry and no flavor. I'm sorry, but I don't think that it will be made again.

 

[Chef on the coast]

Thanks for posting a super easy way to make macaroni and cheese! I made a 9x13 pan for dinner last night and am eating what little bit is left for lunch today. DH and two sons had it for lunch today as well. I love the crunchy top with the breadcrumbs. Yummy! Made as a pressie for the December 2008 Aussie/NZ recipe swap.

 

[Kikiloveshercop]

I am SO that person that can seem to make a good roux so I'm glad I finally found a mac recipe with a clever way to mix in the flour. Mine didn't come out as creamy as I would have liked but I think it's because I cooked it for about 20 mins longer than suggested because it just wouldn't seem to brown! I used finely shredded cheddar but the cheddar never really melted in, it was still in shred form when I served it and the oil from the cheese just separated from everything and made it a bit greasy. I used crushed up ritz crackers for breadcrumbs and DBF loved them and asked that I use more next time. It tasted yummy and I like the basil in it. It was DEFINITELY easy and that's always a plus in my book. Thanks for the recipe and if you have any suggestions for me for next time, please send me zmail. :)

 

[susie cooks]

Great mac and cheese. I followed this recipe exactly, just broiled it for the last 2 minutes for an extra crispy topping. It is all gone! Thanks!

 

[CookingONTheSide]

This is delicious macaroni and cheese! Very creamy and very cheesy! I used gemelli pasta that I needed to use up. I will make this one again! Thanks for sharing. Made for Aussie/New Zealand 12 Days of Christmas Recipe Swap.