mac n cheese american cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
mac n cheese american cheese recipe
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The Best mac n cheese american cheese recipe

I’m so excited to share this classic mac n cheese american cheese recipe with you all. As a busy mom, I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a hit with my family.

There’s something about the creamy texture and the perfect balance of flavors that just makes it irresistible. My kids love it when I serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad, and it’s become a staple in our household.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make – just boil some pasta, mix in some cheese sauce, and voila! You’ve got a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good comfort food every now and then? Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special treat for the weekend, this mac n cheese recipe never fails to deliver.

And as an added bonus, it’s also super healthy – well, relatively speaking, of course! With the use of whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat cheese sauce, you can feel good about serving this to your loved ones without worrying too much about the calories.

So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and see why it’s become a family favorite in our house.

Classic American Mac and Cheese

Classic American Mac and Cheese

4.9 from 819 votes

This creamy mac and cheese uses American cheese for a smooth, velvety sauce that coats every noodle. It is a simple stovetop dish that is ready in under 30 minutes.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz elbow macaroni
1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

For the Cheese Sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika
8 oz American cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the elbow macaroni, stirring occasionally.
3Cook until al dente according to package directions, about 7 to 8 minutes, then drain in a colander and set aside.
4In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
5Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
6Gradually pour in the milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps.
7Add the salt, black pepper, and paprika, and continue whisking.
8Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 to 5 minutes.
9Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded American cheese a handful at a time, stirring until each addition is fully melted before adding more.
10Continue until all cheese is incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
11Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently with a wooden spoon until every piece is evenly coated.
12Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 13g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 820mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

For a richer sauce, use half-and-half instead of whole milk. Shred the American cheese from a block for best melting results.

Watch Video Of How Classic American Mac and Cheese Works

This mac n cheese american cheese recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner. One of my favorite things about this dish is how versatile it is – serve it as is, or add some toppings like crispy bacon or chopped chives.

And don’t worry about leftovers – this mac n cheese will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheats beautifully. In fact, I often make a double batch on the weekends so we have plenty of leftovers throughout the week.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About American Mac and Cheese

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

For this mac n cheese recipe, I recommend using elbow macaroni or cavatappi – these shapes hold onto the cheesy sauce perfectly! You can also experiment with other types of pasta if you prefer.

Q: Can I make this recipe with low-fat or vegan cheese?

Yes, you can definitely make this recipe with lower-fat or vegan cheese options. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.

Q: How long does it take to make this recipe?

This recipe comes together in about 20-25 minutes – perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Q: Can I store leftovers in the fridge?

Absolutely! This mac n cheese will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days – just reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for kids with food allergies?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free (if you use vegan cheese), but be sure to check with your child’s doctor before serving if they have any severe allergies.

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