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buttery cheesy Christmas food comfort food golden holidays kick kid-friendly macaroni pasta recipe side dish Thanksgiving food traditional

Classic Macaroni and Cheese

Classic Macaroni and Cheese | Mama Harris' Kitchen
Every time I announce I’m making my Classic Macaroni & Cheese my kids squeal with joy! I’ve heard in the past that the only Macaroni & Cheese kids are interested in is the boxed variety with the powder. Not when you make this recipe! Not only does this make a ton, so there’s plenty for leftovers, but it’s just sooo good!

Of course this is what I always make when Thanksgiving and Christmas come around (be sure to add this to your bookmarks to refer back to a month from now!), but it’s also great just whenever when I want a yummy carb-full side dish! Carbs, cheese, Yum!!

It’s great with baked or fried chicken and a salad. Or even as a side to steak, or my Savory Boneless Pork Chops. Whatever you pair it with, it’s sure to get some enthusiastic approval. I’m sure your family will love this as much as mine does!

Classic Macaroni and Cheese Ingredients:

  • one 16 ounce package Macaroni elbow noodles
  • 1 and 1/2 pound sharp cheddar cheese, sliced
  • unsalted butter or margarine
  • garlic salt, pepper, paprika – to taste
  • 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
Directions:
Classic Macaroni and Cheese | Mama Harris' KitchenBoil macaroni noodles until al dente. Drain.
Classic Macaroni and Cheese | Mama Harris' KitchenPreheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease or lightly spray a 2 quart casserole dish.
Place 1/3 of the macaroni in the bottom of pan. Followed by an even layer of 1/3 of the cheese slices.
Classic Macaroni and Cheese | Mama Harris' KitchenDot all over with butter or margarine, and season with garlic salt, pepper, and paprika as desired.
Repeat the layering process 2 more times, finishing with cheese, butter and spices as shown.
Classic Macaroni and Cheese | Mama Harris' KitchenPour can of evaporated milk over the top, evenly.
Classic Macaroni and Cheese | Mama Harris' KitchenCover with foil, and bake in the oven for 40 minutes.
Uncover, and bake an additional 10 minutes as necessary for cheese on top to turn a golden brown.*quick tip – before placing the foil over uncooked macaroni and cheese, spray it lightly with baking spray. This will prevent the foil from sticking to the cheese once it melts, making it much easier to peel off.
Classic Macaroni and Cheese | Mama Harris' KitchenCheesy, melted goodness!
Classic Macaroni and Cheese | Mama Harris' KitchenServe and Enjoy!

Classic Macaroni and Cheese
 
Save Print
Prep time
10 mins
Cook time
50 mins
Total time
1 hour
 
This recipe for a classic macaroni and cheese is easy to put together to feed a crowd and you can easily dress it up and customize it!
Author: Mama Harris' Kitchen
Recipe type: Pasta, Side Dish, Casserole
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
  • one 16 ounce package Macaroni elbow noodles
  • 1 and ½ pound cheddar cheese mixture (sharp and sweet cheddar), shredded
  • unsalted butter or margarine
  • garlic salt, pepper, paprika - to taste
  • 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
Instructions
  1. Boil macaroni noodles until al dente. Drain.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  3. Grease or lightly spray a 2 quart casserole dish.
  4. Place ⅓ of the macaroni in the bottom of pan. Followed by an even layer of ⅓ of the cheese slices.
  5. Dot all over with butter or margarine, and season with garlic salt, pepper, and paprika as desired.
  6. Repeat the layering process 2 more times, finishing with cheese, butter and spices as shown.
  7. Pour can of evaporated milk over the top, evenly.
  8. Cover with foil, and bake in the oven for 40 minutes.
  9. Uncover, and bake an additional 10 minutes as necessary for cheese on top to turn a golden brown.
  10. *quick tip - before placing the foil over uncooked macaroni and cheese, spray it lightly with baking spray. This will prevent the foil from sticking to the cheese once it melts, making it much easier to peel off.
  11. Serve and Enjoy!
3.5.3251

 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Melissa Libertad says

    October 27, 2012 at 10:50 pm

    I love Mac and cheese! This looks amazing! I can see why your kiddos get excited when mama Harris makes this. Lol.

    • Mama Harris Kitchen says

      October 28, 2012 at 9:03 pm

      lol Thank you Melissa!

  2. Holly says

    October 28, 2012 at 1:49 am

    Yum! That looks amazing! I would be excited by that too!
    Dropping by from the blog hop. 🙂

    • Mama Harris Kitchen says

      October 28, 2012 at 9:03 pm

      Hi Holly, thanks for stopping by!

  3. My Froley says

    October 29, 2012 at 7:17 am

    oh my goodness, I LOVE mac and a cheese. I found out I was intolerant to dairy over one year ago so hardly eat it at all, but sometimes I go all out and have a “dairy day”. I think this just might bring one of those on :-/ it looks so delicious.
    http://myfroley.blogspot.com

    • Mama Harris Kitchen says

      October 29, 2012 at 9:06 am

      Oh no, intolerant to dairy! Are you able to take the lactose free pills, or is it a different intolerance? My son and my dad take the pills when they want to have some good lactose intake, but I know the intolerances can vary.
      I stopped by your page and loved the idea of your hop!

  4. Songstress Lyrical says

    October 29, 2012 at 8:33 am

    Looks yummy I love homemade mac & cheese. Its the only way I cook it and I too cook it for Thanksgiving and Christmas. More so for thanksgiving. It’s weird thats the only time I make it and the only time I crave it

    • Mama Harris Kitchen says

      October 29, 2012 at 9:07 am

      Something about Autumn and Winter makes me crave all the comfort foods, and this is one that tops the list. I love to make it with coconut chicken and sweet chili sauce. I’ll be posting that recipe soon! I try to mix up the variety in here, but I have a ton of chicken recipes to post! lol

  5. Maribel Lara says

    October 29, 2012 at 9:52 pm

    We’re braving Hurricane Sandy here in NYC and oh how I wish I had some of this right now! Mac and Cheese is the epitome of comfort food. I am bookmarking now!

    • Mama Harris Kitchen says

      October 30, 2012 at 11:58 pm

      Hi Maribel! Oh man, please stay safe!

  6. Lauren Sebestyen says

    November 1, 2012 at 9:58 pm

    Yummm this is definitely making me crave some good ol mac & cheese right now!
    xo
    Lauren
    BadLuckBarbie.blogspot.com

    • Mama Harris Kitchen says

      November 5, 2012 at 6:14 pm

      Ohhh, it’s a good one! 🙂

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