Mac ‘N Cheese Recipe

When school schedules kick into high gear, dinner time gets a little hairy. Running around to after school activities makes it tricky to prep a sit-down dinner for the family…but, I try! And one recipe that never fails to make everyone smile is my easy, cheesy homemade macaroni.

Individual fry pans or ramekins make it feel like a special treat for the kids and I can’t deny how delicious all that cheddar is. For a healthy twist, hide peas, diced carrots and peppers in the dish. It’s a school night dinner that can’t go wrong!

Photo by: Paul Whicheloe

Zebra Mac ‘N Cheese

What you’ll need…
Serves 10
1-pound elbow pasta, cooked in equal parts chicken stock and water

For the sauce
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup milk
1/2 cup cream cheese
4 cups grated sharp yellow cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper

For the topping
1 cup grated sharp yellow cheddar cheese
1 cup grated sharp white cheddar cheese

Get started…
1.  In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour and cook for about 2 minutes (this is called a roux). Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth. When the milk begins to steam, whisk in the cream cheese until smooth.
2.  Turn off the heat and add the cheddar, stirring until melted and smooth. Pour the sauce over the pasta and stir until thoroughly mixed. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3.  Put the macaroni into small, individual fry pans or ramekins. Top each ramekin with the yellow and white grated cheeses, alternating each to create a striped ‘zebra’ pattern. Place the ramekins under a broiler or in a warm oven until the cheese is just melted. (Don’t let it sit too long, or the cheese will run together).

What’s your go-to dinner for school nights? Jump in on the conversation here.