a simple recipe :: creamy baked mac ‘n’ cheese

I love finding good recipes that can easily be doubled, altered, and made ahead. I also love good comfort food, usually in the fall, but really any time of year. My sister shared with me her go to macaroni and cheese recipe after we had tried a couple new ones, and I immediately realized I didn’t need to try any more.
I made this in the spring for a party of about 60 people, and loved that it was very easy to make multiples of the recipe. I just made it again for my niece’s first birthday party, and when everyone was talking about how good it was, I realized I should share it with all of you! So, here it goes:

Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

3 cups macaroni noodles, cooked according to package directions

8 TBL butter

6 TBL flour

3 cups milk

16 oz of cheddar cheese (or use whatever mixture of cheeses you love!)

1 tsp salt
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low-medium heat. Add flour and stir. Slowly pour in milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Turn heat to low and stir in cheese until melted.
Add cooked noodles and stir until noodles are covered.
Pour into a greased 9×13 pan and bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes. Serves 16 (as a side dish).

I hope you love this as much as my family does, and that it serves as great option for a party or just an easy dinner at home this fall. Or summer. Or winter. I made half of the recipe in the pictures you see here for just our small family at home and made it in an 8×8 pan. I typically use cheddar, and a little colby jack, but have also tried with gouda and other cheese that we love! Enjoy!