Skip to main content

Macaroni and Cheese

This basic macaroni and cheese is on the rich side (it just doesn’t work with reduced-fat cheese), but it is so comforting. Even if you don’t have kids, you can make this when you’re in the mood for “nursery food.”

Recipe information

  • Yield

    6 to 8 child-size servings

Ingredients

10 to 12 ounces elbow macaroni or other short pasta shape
3 tablespoons unbleached white flour
1 1/2 cups 1% low-fat milk or plain soy milk
2 tablespoons nonhydrogenated margarine
2 cups grated cheddar or cheddar-style soy cheese
Salt to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook the macaroni according to package directions and drain.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, dissolve the flour in 1/2 cup of the milk, and combine with the remaining 1 cup milk, the margarine, and cheese in a saucepan. Slowly bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Cook over low heat until the sauce is smooth and thick, 4 to 5 minutes.

    Step 3

    Combine the cooked macaroni and sauce in a serving container and stir together. Season with salt and serve.

  2. variation

    Step 4

    Bake in a casserole dish at 400° until the top is golden and crusty, 20 to 30 minutes.

  3. nutrition information

    Step 5

    Calories: 241

    Step 6

    Total Fat: 13g

    Step 7

    Protein: 12g

    Step 8

    Carbohydrate: 15g

    Step 9

    Cholesterol: 36mg

    Step 10

    Sodium: 265mg

The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet
Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.