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This is the ultimate mac-and-cheese. It's creamy, thick and very rich, and it holds the wonderful cheddar flavor. Once you taste it, you will be hooked. —Cindy Hartley, Chesapeake, Virginia
Nutritional Facts 1 serving (1 cup) equals 653 calories, 46 g fat (30 g saturated fat), 143 mg cholesterol, 1,141 mg sodium, 35 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 25 g protein.
Originally published as Creamy Macaroni and Cheese in Simple & Delicious March/April 2007, p44
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Reviewed on Jun. 02, 2013 by kelleys8th
excellent! tons of compliments!
Reviewed on Apr. 07, 2013 by foleyd
Pleased everyone from kids to adults.
Reviewed on Apr. 04, 2013 by Doeye
Made as written - excellent mac & cheese!
Reviewed on Mar. 06, 2013 by leslie1966
Next time I will use a little more macaroni. The cheese sauce was great but there was a little too much.
Reviewed on Jan. 20, 2013 by brittnipapke
I've been looking for a great macaroni n cheese recipe for very long. This one is the best yet. I added extra cheese and used fat free milk. Definitely making it again.
Reviewed on Jan. 17, 2013 by Summy
I am tossing my old mac n' cheese recipe that everyone in my family craved and loved, and replacing it with this. THIS is the mac n' cheese I've been looking for. I used light sour cream and sharp cheddar. I served it as a side dish with tuna cakes and sliced tomatoes. Yummy!
Reviewed on Jan. 10, 2013 by SassyLacey
I have searched for so long for a really good creamy mac & cheese. This is awesome! It is a bit of work and expense but oh so worth it all. With so many in my family who love mac & cheese, this is indeed a keeper.
Reviewed on Dec. 29, 2012 by dms15226
Absolutely wonderful. I didn't have dry mustard, so I substituted a gourmet mustard instead. I kept an eye an it, so that it didn't come out too dry. It was in the oven for about 25 minutes.
Reviewed on Nov. 30, 2012 by MrsTgill
Made this as a side for Thanksgiving...they LOVED it!
Reviewed on Nov. 27, 2012 by motochick179
This recipe is fairly easy to make and tastes really good! I will be making it again.
Reviewed on Nov. 23, 2012 by twbryan75
I used this recipe for Thanksgiving this year. It turned out great! I got a lot of compliments and was asked for the recipe. I definitely will use this recipe again!
Reviewed on Nov. 19, 2012 by dogcat_8
This mac and cheese tastes as good as it looks in the picture! It's definitely a keeper! I followed the recipe as written, but did omit the cheddar cheese. It was plenty cheesy without it. I also added Panko bread crumbs to the top of the casserole when it came out the oven. Yum! This recipe was easy to split in half. I used a 2-quart baking dish and baked it for 25 minutes at 350 degrees for half the recipe. Excellent!!
Reviewed on Nov. 14, 2012 by pkjillian
Terrific!! Best macaroni and cheese ever!!!
Reviewed on Nov. 14, 2012 by Cjollysc
I've tried over a hundred Mac and Cheese recipes and this one is the best I've ever had! Mac and Chs is my favorite dish ever, so this is the one...only thing I did different is used whole milk, a little extra for creaminess, and more cheese:) I'm a cheese lover so I added some extra:) Excellent!!!
Reviewed on Oct. 27, 2012 by karenbella
I made this recipe today for the first time..I seldom stick strictly to any recipe but this one sounded so great I did not change a thing. (other than to double it) It is the best mac and cheese I have ever made. I am a Gma to 15 and believe me I have made alot of the stuff. Thank you for such a great recipe.
Reviewed on Oct. 20, 2012 by Miss TD
I love this recipe, also my family and friends.
Reviewed on Oct. 01, 2012 by slye10001000
This is awesome! I make it exactly as written. It is so creamy and perfect and delicious.
Reviewed on Sep. 03, 2012 by renny2fast
I've tried many different Mac N Cheese recipes and by far this is my favorite. I have since then thrown out all "other" recipes and now replaced this as my go to for my family favorite.
Reviewed on Aug. 17, 2012 by TerriKate
I have made this recipe several times and it turns out perfect every time! The last couple of times, I mixed up the ingredients according to the recipe and then dumped it all into a buttered crock pot. It turned out perfectly then, too! This is the all time best mac-n-cheese recipe. For the american process cheese, instead of Velveeta, I use Kraft Deluxe American slices or I buy sliced American cheese at the deli counter, then cut it into chunks. For the shredded cheddar, I buy block cheddar and shred it myself. I usually use either all sharp cheddar or half sharp and half medium/mild. The sharp cheddar is the one with all the cheesy flavor. (I live in Wisconsin. I know these things, lol.)
Reviewed on Jul. 01, 2012 by kimmie57
I have been making this recipe for 5 years since it was first published. It has become my trademark dish for family & potluck gatherings & everyone requests the recipe. Now my 21 yr. old daughter wants to make it for a company picnic where she is co-oping this summer. Best mac & cheese recipe ever!!
Reviewed on Jun. 10, 2012 by 2Millers
I have eaten and prepared many mac n cheese dishes over the years and all were always missing something. This dish is packed with that perfect flavor. It has gotten raves each time I have prepared it for a crowd and at home, as well. Delicious!
Reviewed on Mar. 12, 2012 by PJRamsey
This is the kind of Mac & Cheese that everyone loves...good and CREAMY. Made it for a church function and EVERYONE wanted the recipe!!! Excellent!!!!!!
Reviewed on Feb. 29, 2012 by Cathy1951
This is the best recipe for Macaroni and Cheese I have ever used. No need to add or change this recipe, it is perfect the way it is. Thank you!
Reviewed on Feb. 06, 2012 by nguyen101872
<p>Best Mac and Cheese as I've been searching for a long time. Only used 4 Tablespoons of fluor, 8 oz of Colby and Sharp cheese mixture instead of Velveeta, 8 cups of noodles and topped with some cheese and bread crumbs. Added bacon grease to leftovers extra sauce as a dip with chips...yummy!</p>
Reviewed on Feb. 03, 2012 by kayesandra
I have had this recipe for a couple of years & needed a meatless casserole so made it. I should have read the reviews!!! It had way too much sauce. My husband liked it and that is the only reason I would ever make it again. If there is a next time, I'll use twice as much macaroni and bake it in a 9x13 baking dish.had way too much sauce
I have had this recipe for a couple of years & needed a meatless casserole so made it. I should have read the reviews!!! It had way too much sauce. My husband liked it and that is the only reason I would ever make it again. If there is a next time, I'll use twice as much macaroni and bake it in a 9x13 baking dish.
had way too much sauce
Reviewed on Nov. 27, 2011 by vikingsfanswife
I have made this dish to pass at Church carry-ins and most recently to my In-Laws for Thanksgiving dinner!!! Everyone who has tried this has loved it!! It is easy to make and the thick, creaminess can't be beat! I almost always have the ingredients for this on hand. This is hands down my family's favorite homemade mac n cheese!
Reviewed on Nov. 15, 2011 by imjcklein
Let me start by saying, I NEVER review recipes that I try. This one, I had to. I found this recipe about 4 months ago and made it, not holding out much hope that my kids would like it..they never like homemade mac and cheese. The family devoured this casserole. Then I lost the recipe and couldnt find it until yesterday, they devoured it again! Some changes did have to be made.1. I used a whole box of bow ties and needed a little bit more, it was very saucy. I like it like that so it didnt bother me.2. Yes, the sauce does get a little too thick, i just slowly added chicken broth to get to a good consistency for us.3. GRATE your own cheese! It makes a world of difference in that grainy taste, plus its cheaper.I can finally stop looking for a mac and cheese recipe, this will be the only one i ever make again. Thanks for a great recipe!
Let me start by saying, I NEVER review recipes that I try. This one, I had to. I found this recipe about 4 months ago and made it, not holding out much hope that my kids would like it..they never like homemade mac and cheese. The family devoured this casserole. Then I lost the recipe and couldnt find it until yesterday, they devoured it again! Some changes did have to be made.
1. I used a whole box of bow ties and needed a little bit more, it was very saucy. I like it like that so it didnt bother me.
2. Yes, the sauce does get a little too thick, i just slowly added chicken broth to get to a good consistency for us.
3. GRATE your own cheese! It makes a world of difference in that grainy taste, plus its cheaper.
I can finally stop looking for a mac and cheese recipe, this will be the only one i ever make again. Thanks for a great recipe!
Reviewed on Oct. 25, 2011 by nicho538
We always use sharp cheddar, it's probably our fave cheese! My hubby and daughter request this at least once a week!! (They don't get it that often but would love it if they did!)
Reviewed on Oct. 17, 2011 by Katielabonte
Best Mac and Cheese Ever!!! I only used about 2-3 tablespoons of flour. Makes alot of sauce. Very yummy!!!!!
Reviewed on Oct. 09, 2011 by tstreich
This wasn't bad, but I'd try other recipes before trying to tweak this one anymore. I followed suggestions to not have a pasty taste by decreasing the flour and increasing the milk, but it was still a bit too thick and pasty for my taste. I did increase the macaroni to almost double, so that made a difference, but there was an unbelievable amount of sauce. I'm sure if I'd have used 2 cups as stated, it still would have been pasty. So not terrible, but I'll try others.
Reviewed on Oct. 08, 2011 by dgharris573
This is the best mac and cheese recipe ever. However, I do use an entire pound of macaroni (elbow or shells), it's still very cheesy, make in 13x9x2 pan. I use lower fat cheese to help reduce a few calories. You can substitute mayonnaise for the sour cream if you don't have any on hand. My tip for making this is to measure all the ingredients ahead of time and have them all laid out on the counter ready to go. Yummy!
Reviewed on Sep. 17, 2011 by Juliet58
Very good, I will make again. I backed off on the flour and add a little more milk. Broiled for 2 min after 30 minutes.
Reviewed on Jun. 29, 2011 by Margo44
Finally my quest for the perfect Mac & Cheese recipe is over. This is exactly what I've been looking for !!!
Reviewed on Jun. 18, 2011 by jm_robertson
I put this recipe in my favorites book and have made it several times already! The only change I make consistently is to omit the ground mustard and use 1 Tbsp dijon mustard in its place. This is one of my favorite comfort food recipes!
Reviewed on May. 29, 2011 by mom210
I have been looking for a good Mac and Cheese recipe for a long time and I think I found it. Everyone loved it.
Reviewed on Apr. 11, 2011 by Storckie22
My family of five loved this recipe, only addition was some onion powder. I doubled the recipe and it was a good thing because half the pan was gone after one dinner!
Reviewed on Mar. 24, 2011 by Zippy2288
I'm a BIG Mac-&-Cheese Fan and have been looking for a more creamy homemade bake! This was it... if you love a little bit of noodle with your cheese this is the recipe for you!!!
Reviewed on Mar. 23, 2011 by jessescrew
This was ok. I thought the sauce was very thick as others have mentioned. If I make it again, I will try less flour or try to thin the sauce. I have other mac n cheese recipes from Taste of Home that my family likes better.
Reviewed on Mar. 21, 2011 by jnezelek
Super rich & creamy. Very fullfilling dish. Used 1cp cheddar & 1cp swiss because that's what we had on hand & it was delicious. We will definetly be making this dish again
Reviewed on Feb. 10, 2011 by cdchad37
I've tried numerous macaroni and cheese recipes and this one tops them all! I will never try another recipe again.
Reviewed on Jan. 21, 2011 by stampinjo
My family loves this recipe! We've also added buttered crumbs for a different touch, but it's great as is!
Reviewed on Jan. 21, 2011 by heartybaker
it was ultimately cheesey, that is a fact! it was very thick, i added a cup of pasta water to mine and it was still very thick. i however, do not bake my mac n cheese, i just do not prefer it that way and i left out the mustard, not a fan. but, it was very cheesey and flavor was tastey. just too cheesey for us...otherwise, it was a good recipe:0)
Reviewed on Dec. 29, 2010 by ChefPearl
This recipe is delicious! We did make some changes: we didn't put in the mustard, we substituted extra sharp cheddar cheese for the velveeta, and we did different noodles. It was very creamy with a delicious flavor. Everyone loved it!
Reviewed on Dec. 17, 2010 by LByrne1023
I made this on Thanksgiving for my family and EVERYONE loved it!!! Best mac n' cheese ever and the kids kept going back for seconds. Lol.
Reviewed on Dec. 10, 2010 by loving good food
hi, i tried this recipe last night and it was very good.....i added some good ham from the deli, and some smoked cheddar cheese as well. I think next time i'll put in a little less flour since i live in Colorado and we probably don't need quite as much here.....i will make again...the recipe is in my file!!! thank you for sharing it.
Reviewed on Nov. 06, 2010 by brkornhaus
For homemade mac 'n' cheese, this is the best I've tried. Definitely not dry. I agree with the other posters who said the sauce was thick and pasty. There was also too much of it for the amount of pasta. Next time I'll use a whole 16 oz. package of macaroni (3-1/2 cups uncooked) and alter the flour and milk as suggested by others to get a thinner sauce.
Reviewed on Oct. 31, 2010 by JessiK
My favorite macaroni and cheese recipe!
Reviewed on Sep. 29, 2010 by momof2boys1girl_1973_MI
This is the first baked macaroni and cheese recipe I made and will be my last. This is SO good, my kids love it and ask me to make it all the time!
Reviewed on Sep. 01, 2010 by johnsen
little dry, added pasta water.Husband loves it.
Reviewed on Aug. 27, 2010 by alichaandharley
This is a great mac and cheese recipie. I love to add smoked ham to it. It is one of my favorite recipies now
Reviewed on Jul. 15, 2010 by hugasnugglebunny@yahoo.com
My family didn't like this. I think the mustard counted against the flavor. They asked me not to make it again.
Reviewed on Jun. 09, 2010 by greenie
oops!! I forgot to rate this. Five stars!!
I am a cook at a retirement home. Everyone loves my Mac & cheese. Old time recipe. I tried this one on my family & they loved it.We think this is the ultimate macaroni & cheese. The only one I will make for my family now. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe!!!!!
I am a cook at a retirement home. Everyone loves my Mac & cheese. Old time recipe. I tried this one on my family & they loved it.
We think this is the ultimate macaroni & cheese. The only one I will make for my family now. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe!!!!!
Reviewed on May. 06, 2010 by nicoleautumn
Amazing dish which was easy to cook and tasted great the next day as left overs.
Reviewed on Apr. 27, 2010 by grannygourmet
Oh Yeah! This mac & cheese really rocks! I did follow another rater's advice in that I increased the milk to 1 3/4 cups and reduced the flour to 1/3 cup and it proved to be the perfect consistency. I admit this is NOT a low-cal or low-fat dish, but it's fun to splurge once in a while and this one is worth it!
Reviewed on Apr. 03, 2010 by CathieArms
I've made this recipe several times, and it just seems to get better every time I make it. Super easy recipe and very tasty.
Reviewed on Mar. 07, 2010 by jodygreetham
very good and creamy... I only used 1/4 cup of flour and upped the milk to 1 3/4 cup.... very good, crushed crackers on top.
Reviewed on Feb. 08, 2010 by Wilberst
YUM! This was both easy and tasty. Butter + Cheese + more cheese= a really good dinner.
Reviewed on Jan. 15, 2010 by monalisa2
This sounded good until I looked at the saturated fat count: 30 g. Are you kidding me? This may be good but it's not for my family. We need something more "health friendly"
Reviewed on Dec. 27, 2009 by kmgardner
This was like glue. There is far too much flour in this recipe. Too pasty and not creamy.
Reviewed on Dec. 07, 2009 by Hickster
Finally a homemade mac n' cheese that's creamy and not dry.
Reviewed on Nov. 10, 2009 by wildflowerhill
Yummy thanks! The family enjoyed this very much!
Reviewed on Nov. 05, 2009 by Gram June
So Sorry! Please ignore my last comment as this comment was meant for the applesauce which was great!I am making this mac cheese tonite!
So Sorry! Please ignore my last comment as this comment was meant for the applesauce which was great!
I am making this mac cheese tonite!
Excellent and easy! Added a bit more cinnamon and some nutmeg also! I added a little Redi Whip on top and it was like eating apple pie with no crust!
Reviewed on Sep. 20, 2009 by littleann1
the best I've ever had in my entire life. I left out a few tablespoons of flour due to what someone said about being too thick, & added a 1/2 cup more of milk. It was soooooooo amazing. Thank you so much!
Reviewed on Sep. 01, 2009 by Aljesbob
Cottage cheese In watching the food network I found a tip .....I can't tell anyone how I make my mac and cheese because, I just make it, does that make any sense? Typical white sauce, I usually try to use more than one kind of cheese, I vary this depending on what I have on hand. So HERE IS THE TIP I saw on food network - Cottage cheese!!! I just make my mac and cheese and then when I pour into pan to bake, I pour about a third into casserole dish, then a thin layer of cottage cheese, next third then another layer of cottage cheese. then top with rest of mac and cheese - bake as normal!! I DID NOT tell my family for fear of their refusing to eat. My Husband says it is the best he has EVER has.
Cottage cheese
In watching the food network I found a tip .....I can't tell anyone how I make my mac and cheese because, I just make it, does that make any sense? Typical white sauce, I usually try to use more than one kind of cheese, I vary this depending on what I have on hand.
So HERE IS THE TIP I saw on food network - Cottage cheese!!!
I just make my mac and cheese and then when I pour into pan to bake, I pour about a third into casserole dish, then a thin layer of cottage cheese, next third then another layer of cottage cheese. then top with rest of mac and cheese - bake as normal!!
I DID NOT tell my family for fear of their refusing to eat. My Husband says it is the best he has EVER has.
Reviewed on Sep. 01, 2009 by TexMexRex
Reviewed on Sep. 01, 2009 by kellfam
I found this recipe to have good taste. But mouth feel was very pastey. The white sauce was too large a portion for the little macaroni used. We even added an additional cup of pasta to the sauce. It is a very rich recipe full of fat. Beware of all the calories with this one.sdk.
I found this recipe to have good taste. But mouth feel was very pastey. The white sauce was too large a portion for the little macaroni used. We even added an additional cup of pasta to the sauce. It is a very rich recipe full of fat. Beware of all the calories with this one.
sdk.
Reviewed on Aug. 21, 2009 by debg45
This is my new mac & cheese recipe! It does seem a little thick when you're making the sauce, but hang with it. When it comes out of the oven it's AMAZING!
Reviewed on Jun. 27, 2009 by apeesacake
This was just the recipe I've been looking for... for a long time. I used New York Sharp Cheddar for my shredded cheddar. The sauce seemed a bit thick, so before baking I added more milk to it.... bringing the total amount of milk to 2 and 1/2 cups. I needed to bake it for 45 minutes to get it golden brown and bubbly. This recipe is a real keeper !
Reviewed on May. 18, 2009 by sherikwilliams
We LOVED this recipe, I added1 Tbl of Worchester (our old favorite mac & cheese recipe has it), shared with a neighbor who loved it too & wanted the recipe. It's a keeper!!Sheri K
We LOVED this recipe, I added
1 Tbl of Worchester (our old favorite mac & cheese recipe has it), shared with a neighbor who loved it too & wanted the recipe. It's a keeper!!
Sheri K
Reviewed on May. 04, 2009 by IrisWi
I printed this one and will definitely be making it. I plan on using sharp cheddar. And I think I'll top it off with more shredded cheddar before popping it in the oven.
Reviewed on May. 03, 2009 by carrolcofer
I used 2% milk & used all reduced fat cheeses & sour cream & this was great. Nice & creamy. Thick & rich. Great dish. Will definitely make again. Although I question it serving 6. Mine made a 9 by 13 baking dish & when used as a side would easily feed 8. Maybe 6 if it were the entree.
Reviewed on Apr. 28, 2009 by Ceracita
Can't wait to try this! I'm going to add bacon pieces to it :o)
Reviewed on Apr. 27, 2009 by TriciaBaker
RE: Creamy Macaroni and CheeseMy entire family loved this recipe. I doubled the recipe and added some chopped onions to it, and they devoured it. This is a keeper. It is so yummy.triciab
RE: Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
My entire family loved this recipe. I doubled the recipe and added some chopped onions to it, and they devoured it. This is a keeper. It is so yummy.
triciab
Reviewed on Apr. 27, 2009 by LynnSaunders
Yum! Enough said!!!
Reviewed on Apr. 26, 2009 by jkosnik
My daughter (she's 31) says this is the best mac and cheese she's ever tasted. She always asks that I bring it to family potlucks. JKos
Reviewed on Apr. 24, 2009 by jan42055
I added ground beef, sauteed onions and bacon bits. Taste great.
Reviewed on Apr. 03, 2009 by msmini
Any clues on what the nutrition numbers would look like using fat free sour cream and 2% milk cheeses?
Reviewed on Feb. 27, 2009 by mammascookin
The only thing I changed in this recipe was that I sauteed some onion with the butter. My husband loves onion with his mac-n-cheese. Fabulous recipe!
Reviewed on Feb. 05, 2009 by bautz
Reviewed on Jan. 18, 2009 by lolson417
I thought this had good flavor but mine came out really thick and kind of gummy. Maybe less flour and more milk next time?
Reviewed on Jan. 14, 2009 by carrie carney
I sprinkle a can of cheddar flavored french fried onions over the top of this before putting it in the oven. My husband who claims to only like boxed macaroni and cheese loves this recipe. Every time I bring it somewhere everyone asks for the recipe and raves about it!
Reviewed on Dec. 12, 2008 by kath518
I have tried many macaroni and cheese recipes but this was the best one I've ever tasted. My husband is not a big fan of mac and cheese but he ate seconds!
Reviewed on Jul. 22, 2008 by Radium
Mmm, I felt this was more like a paste instead of creamy. Next time, if there is a next time, I'd use less flour.
Reviewed on Mar. 20, 2008 by jetluvs2cook
this is a very good recipe! everyone loves it every time i make it!!!
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