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This is the easiest mac and cheese you’ll ever make. Seriously. I think it rivals the box in both taste and simplicity.
Wondering what to serve with mac and cheese? This is great with Drunken Brats and a crisp salad, but is also good with Roast Vegetables.
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Food is a great comforter. There is just something about the connection between our taste buds and our brain that can do wonders. I don’t pretend to understand it, but the right foods can make us feel better when the rain has spoiled our parade, when the dog has eaten our homework, when no one likes us and we’re tempted to go eat worms.
I grew up on mac and cheese from a box. And quite frankly, I still love it. About once a year I will buy a box and eat the whole thing myself.Not because I’m such a glutton, but because my family doesn’t care for boxed mac and cheese.
The rest of the time I make homemade Mac and cheese. Whether’s it’s a fun Italian take like myAlfredo Mac and Cheeseor made in the Instant Pot like thisEasy Mac & Cheese in the Instant Potrecipe, homemade macaroni and cheese is a sure-fire winner.
One of my favorites is this Mac and Cheese recipe that FishPapa and I have been making forever. In our newlywed days, we could easily eat the whole batch ourselves. Now, we restrain ourselves and share some with the kids.
This Mac and Cheese recipe isvery easy, very make-ahead, and it freezes well also. What more could you ask for?
Easiest Mac and Cheese Recipe
This is the easiest mac and cheese you’ll ever make. Seriously. I think it rivals the box in both taste and simplicity.
4.78 from 9 votes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 327kcal
Author: Jessica Fisher
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or penne pasta, cooked according to package directions and drained
- 8 oz sour cream
- 8 oz cheddar cheese cubed
- salt
- black pepper
US Customary – Metric
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook the noodles until al dente, according to package directions. Drain.
While the pasta is cooking, in a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cheese cubes, and salt and pepper. Stir in the drained noodles.
Spoon this mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly.
Notes
The dish may be frozen prior to baking. Simply chill completely in the fridge and store covered in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator prior to baking.
Nutrition
Calories: 327kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 201mg | Potassium: 163mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 461IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 245mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Tell us what you think! Your reviews help us develop better recipes and give newcomers the confidence to try your favorites. Scroll down to leave a starred comment.
What’s YOUR favorite comfort food?
How about you? What’s your family’s favorite comfort food. There’s bound to be something you enjoy when youare sick, snowed in, or just need a little pick me up. Today’s the day to share it!
Can’t wait to see what you cook up on a rainy day!
This post was originally published on January 22, 2009.
Reader Interactions
Comments
Shari
My son is turning 12 tomorrow and he requested this mac n cheese recipe for his birthday dinner. It’s all my kids’ favorite version of it.Reply
Jessica Fisher
Yay! Music to my ears. 😉Reply
Jane
This was great and believe me I’ve tried so many ways to make Macc and cheese I dident think there could be anymore but there you go yours pops up and so so easy. I must admit though I could quite get with the small blocks of cheese rather than grated. So I asked Hubby what he though and he said no rather have it grated so it spreads out more rather than little blocks throughout. So maybe I’ll try it sometime just to see the difference. I won’t tell anyone just see what they say. Anyway many thanks for this another great Macc and cheese recipe. So
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Jessica Fisher
Yay! So glad it passed the test, even with the cheese cubes. 😉
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Britt
Have you ever tried this with shredded cheese?
To be exact A brick of cheese that has been shredded. Not the pre shredded bags.Reply
Jessica Fisher
Yes, works just as well.
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Marie
For a second I thought your name was Jessica Fletcher????…I digress…who doesn’t need another go to Mac and cheese recipe?!?! This one is easy peasy and delish… I added some sautéed onion for a little extra oomph.
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Jessica Fisher
I loved Murder She Wrote! 😉
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Emily
Do you happen to know a rough cup measurement of the noodles? I have a giant bag of noodles and no scale.
Recipe looks awesome! Thanks!Reply
Jessica Fisher
2 cups if you’re using standard elbow noodles
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Jo
This is my 3 year old daughter’s favorite mac and cheese. I made it yesterday with half sharp cheddar and half monterrey jack – and it is AMAZING.
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Jessica Fisher
I’m so glad you like it! Thanks for your feedback!
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Mary
What do you mean salted water?
Reply
Jessica Fisher
Pasta is best cooked in salted water. It not only helps the water boil faster, but it also seasons the noodles.
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