Looking for something that can Satisfy for a main course, yet double as a side dish? This easy Mac and Cheese recipe fits the bill. Quick, simple, and you probably have everything already.
A night alone. That idea can seem magical when you’re normally fending off a flock of hungry children at the kitchen door. I had a nice NY strip steak I was excited to grill up, and some salad fixings. I also seem to have collected a plethora of cheese blocks somehow… So mac and cheese seemed like a solid plan for a side dish. Of course, I made enough so that I could serve it out for lunch the next day. But the whole recipe only takes about 15 minutes, and you’ll never go back to the box.
What do you need for Mac and Cheese?
That’s pretty simple. Macaroni of your choice, and cheese. But there are a few other things that make this come together.
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 lb pasta
Not all cheeses are considered equal. Use something that you would eat on a cracker if you want a good flavor. I used a combination of Sharp Cheddar and Habanero Cheddar (about 7:1) in this recipe.
How to make it come together.
- Start a pot of water for your pasta before doing anything else. Use a large enough pot that you can stir the cheese in later.
- In a heavy sauce-pan over low-medium heat, melt your butter and stir in flour to form a rue, reduce to lowest possible heat.
- Add milk and sour cream, stirring to avoid boiling.
- Grate your cheese into the milk mixture, stirring continually.
- Your water should be ready for the pasta now, drop the pasta and cook per instructions on box.
- Once your cheese mixture does not appear watery (pancake batter consistency) remove from heat, add salt, pepper and garlic.
- When Al-dente, strain your pasta and return to pot.
- Pour cheese mixture over pasta and mix well.
Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese is easy, delicious, and only takes as long as cooking a box of pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 lb pasta
Instructions
- Start a pot of water for your pasta before doing anything else. Use a large enough pot that you can stir the cheese in later.
- In a heavy sauce-pan over low-medium heat, melt your butter and stir in flour to form a rue, reduce to lowest possible heat.
- Add milk and sour cream, stirring to avoid boiling.
- Grate your cheese into the milk mixture, stirring continually.
- Your water should be ready for the pasta now, drop the pasta and cook per instructions on box.
- Once your cheese mixture does not appear watery (pancake batter consistency) remove from heat, add salt, pepper and garlic.
- When Al-dente, strain your pasta and return to pot.
- Pour cheese mixture over pasta and mix well.
Notes
Cheese matters. Use something you would eat on it's own if you want a good flavor.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 564Total Fat: 32gSaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 1040mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 23g
What about the NY Strip??
I didn’t forget about the steak 😉 That is simplicity itself.
- Get your grill going (I use charcoal and start it with a chimney if you’re wondering).
- Pat your steak dry, and season liberally with salt.
- Grill it 3 minutes per side with the lid closed.
- Plot a tablespoon of butter on top and serve (med-rare).
If you have tried my Easy Mac and Cheese recipe, or any other recipe on Real Life with Dad, please rate the recipe. And be sure to follow us on FaceBook and Instagram @RealLifeWithDad
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