Easy Mac & Cheese

Easy Mac & Cheese is an easy family dinner idea that is ready & on the table in just 30 20 minutes. Rich & creamy & loaded with bacon, this mac & cheese is one of our most requested dinner recipes – ever!

No, that’s not a typo. Well, sort of. When I first created this recipe it did take about 30 minutes, give or take to get it on the table. But since then I have found that 20 minutes is about right.

So even though the graphic below says 30 minutes – you will be happy to know that this recipe is even FASTER.

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I know it’s warming up for most of you & you probably aren’t thinking comfort food right now. But when I think of Easy Family Dinner Ideas – the one thing that tops my list is this Easy Mac & Cheese recipe.

I like it because in the cold months I can make a double batch for our main dish. But as it warms up I can make this recipe as a side dish.

stovetop mac and cheese

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It’s great with some BBQ or to bring to a potluck or church gathering. It’s an absolute crowd pleaser & I guarantee you will bring home an empty serving dish.

I can’t get enough.

This recipe is literally my “go-to” recipe when I need dinner on the table super quick. I always have noodles, cheese & bacon in the house, so whenever I am at a loss for what to make for dinner- this one always comes up a winner.

The whole family LOVES it & when doubled, this recipe makes enough to not only feed my super hungry family of 5 with seconds included, but we also have enough for leftovers the next day too. I bring this to our bunco nights & there’s always enough.

Here are some commonly asked questions

Can I make this without the bacon?

Yes, absolutely. The bacon is completely optional.

Can I use bacon bits?

You can. I prefer using the real bacon bits, the ones that are a bit larger when I do it this way. But it really cuts the time & makes this meal fast.

Can I use another type of noodle?

Yes you can. I like to use bowties, sprirals or shells.

How many can this serve?

This recipe feeds at least 6 helpings, but that will depend on your portion sizes & who you are feeding. I’m feeding 5 adult appetites, and this works well for us.

macaroni and cheese

Can this recipe be doubled?

You can, and we do it often. It makes a TON & gives us dinner for 2 nights – which is great.

HOW DO YOU MAKE Easy Mac & Cheese?

1. Cook your bacon- cut & set aside.
2. Prepare pasta noodles to package directions- cooking al dente so they hold up in the mixing process.
3. Drain & set aside in large covered pot.
4. While the water is boiling – Prepare your roux by melting your butter in a large pot over med/high heat.
5. Once it’s almost melted quickly whisk in your flour & seasonings.
6. Keep it moving & wait for it to darken slightly & come to a thick creamy texture.
7. Whisk in your half & half & increase your heat to high to get mixture to thicken- keep whisking.
8. Stir in your cheeses & heat until all cheese is melted & combined – at least 2-3 minutes.
9. Pour into your pot of noodles- add bacon-
10. Stir well to combine & coat everything with cheese.

What is the best way to store leftover mac & cheese?

I like to transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. When reheating, add a splash of milk & heat, covered for several minutes, stirring every minute.

More Great Mac and Cheese Recipes

• Smoked Mac and Cheese
• Instant Pot Bacon Mac and Cheese
• Baked Mac and Cheese

To make Easy Mac & Cheese you will need…

• thick bacon
• elbow macaroni
• stick butter
• cup flour
• salt
• pepper
• minced onions
• granulated garlic
• half & half
• shredded mild cheddar cheese

I always make this Easy Mac & Cheese for company. You could remove the bacon if you don’t indulge in pork – but if you love bacon….it’s the perfect crunchy, salty addition to this creamy goodness.

So perfect busy weeknight dinners!

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recipe for macaroni and cheese

If you love this recipe for homemade mac and cheese as much as I do, please write a five star review, and be sure to help me share on facebook and Pinterest!

This is seriously THE BEST mac & cheese recipe around. It’s rich & creamy & absolutely heavenly!

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Easy Mac & Cheese

Course dinner

Servings: 6 servings

Easy Mac & Cheese is an easy family dinner idea that is ready & on the table in just 30 minutes. Rich & creamy & loaded with bacon, this mac & cheese is one of our most requested dinner recipes – ever!

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Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pack bacon thick - cooked & chopped - optional
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• ¼ cup butter salted or unsalted - your preference
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt though I usually just sprinkle in the seasonings to taste
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp minced onions
• ½ tsp granulated garlic
• 1 cup half and half
• 1¼ cups mild cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions

• Cook the bacon- cut & set aside.
• Prepare the pasta noodles to package directions- cooking al dente so they hold up in the mixing process.
• Drain and set aside in large covered pot.
• Prepare the roux by melting your butter in a 2.5-quart saucepan over low to med heat.
• Once it is melted quickly whisk in your flour & seasonings.
• Keep it moving & wait for it to darken slightly and come to a thick creamy texture.
• Whisk in the half and half, whisking until it thickens.
• Stir in the cheese and continue whisking until all cheese is melted and combined – at least 2-3 minutes.
• Pour the cheese into the pot of noodles- toss in the bacon.
• Stir well to combine and coat everything with cheese.

Notes

NOTE - you can use 2% or whole milk in place of the half and half. You can do a combination of any of those. I don't recommend using heavy cream unless you dilute it by 50% with water (making half and half). The roux will seize when the liquid is too thick.

ALSO - I have found that the perfect size saucepan is a non-stick 2.5 quart. Anything larger will create too much space for the sauce, it will be too thin across the bottom of the pan and heat too quickly - causing the roux to break down. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 687kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 51g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 924mg | Potassium: 315mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 223mg | Iron: 1mg | Net Carbohydrates: 34g

Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.

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