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I grew up on mac and cheese at least once a week, oftentimes more. It was a lunch my mom could easily whip together in about 15 minutes. And it broke up the typical sandwiches a bit.

And now, I find myself doing the same thing. Mac and cheese is a great lunch or easy dinner option when Travis works late and it’s just the kids and me. My son is high class and loves when I throw a sliced-up hot dog in it too. We’re fancy over here.

Truthfully though, besides being easy, it’s much healthier than any box mixes you find. (And don’t let the “organic” label fool you, the ingredient list is still sketchy.) My kids much prefer our 5 ingredient mac and cheese to any of the boxed mixes. Real cheese is the way to go. And with how simple it is, you’ll never find yourself grabbing those powdered mac n cheese boxes ever again.

Cheese matters – choose wisely

I’m the first to admit, I’m a bit of a cheese snob. The cheese that cuts like rubber grosses me out. Why is it a bouncy ball texture? That’s not normal unless it’s mozzarella. Growing up in the PNW I was spoiled to have Tillamook cheese sold everywhere. When we moved to the south, I was in shock by the lack of variety and quality at most local stores. I mean, we’re close to Wisconsin. Isn’t that the cheese capital of the world?

But I digress.

Find yourself a good cheddar cheese. And for a bit of tang, I love to add a slice of pepper jack. It gives it a small kick that takes it to the next level.

Making mac and cheese

Start the water for the noodles to boil. Cook noodles as instructed on the box.

While noodles are cooking, heat up butter in a separate saucepan. While the butter is melting pour milk into a large coffee cup. My mom always mixed it in a coffee cup, so I do too. It’s small and easy to wash! Stir in the cornstarch with the milk. Once butter is melted, pour in the milk/cornstarch mixture.

Turn on medium heat until it starts to bubble and thicken. Once it’s thickening, add in the cheese and slowly stir until it all melts together. Place on low heat if necessary to prevent burning. Strain pasta and place back in the pan, pour cheese mixture over noodles, and stir well.

Add in salt and pepper to taste.

That’s it my friends! I told you it was simple!

Serve warm and enjoy! I hope this is a meal that gets put into rotation in your home from now on and it helps when you’re in need of an easy meal quickly.

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