Tasty Mac & Cheese

This is the REAL stuff made with real butter and real cheese. It is not for wimpy eaters. I made this Mac & Cheese for a potluck we had at work a few days ago and everyone LOVED it. I loved having so many people come find me to say they liked it. It’s a recipe I remembered making with my mom while growing up. Mom used to make it in a big pot that could be put in an oven but I use the foil pans you get from grocery stores when it’s something I’m talking to work.

Macaroni & Cheese

1 lb macaroni
16 oz grated Cheddar cheese
1 c milk
1/2 t salt
1/4 lb butter (1 cube)
1/2 t paprika (optional)

Cook macaroni in a large pot (boil in water till tender). Drain water from macaroni but leave macaroni in pot. While macaroni is still hot, mix in butter, cheese and milk. Stir until cheese and butter are creamy and macaroni is covered thoroughly. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake 15-20 minutes until top is golden brown. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Suggestions I got from coworkers were:
- Sprinkle prosciutto bits on top
- add cooked bacon bits to casserole before cooking

Note: I baked this in a 8″ x 10″ foil pan so it only took 15 minutes to cook till hot and bubbly. If you are baking it in a skinnier pan that is deeper you may need to cook it longer.

Photo credit: Tammi Hitchcock