Earlier this week I got the sudden craving for macaroni and cheese.  No, not talking about the blue box of our childhoods, but some bubbling, baked homemade macaroni and cheese.

I’ve seen all sorts of Mac & Cheese recipes on the blogs (will share at the end), but I decided to go with my mom’s recipe.  My mom’s recipe isn’t scientific, it allows for variation on you own tastes for cheese, spice etc. but the basics are there.  Here is the recipe for my mom’s version with a few of my own adjustments added in-marked in italics.

Macaroni & Cheese by Mom

Cook 16 oz. penne or elbow macaroni according to directions.

Meanwhile:

Heat up 1/2 stick of butter in large pan until melted.
Mix in 3 T. flour until a thick paste.
Add 3 c. milk (Your choice- I used low fat) while continuously stirring until it makes a slightly thickened soup.
Add seasoning to taste: ground pepper (fresh is better)- 4 good grinds at least
salt (just a touch – there’s some in the cheese)
nutmeg (optional) just a small shake–Instead of nutmeg I added in some paprika and cayenne pepper
Add grated cheese: 8 oz. or so mozzarella (for melting fast, use fresh),  8 oz. cheddar (usually sharp, depending upon your taste) until the cheese is melted and your mixture is thickened and all cheese has melted.  This times we used mozzarella and cheddar but really you can use anything that melts easily.  In the past we’ve used gouda, jack pepper, havarti etc.

Add hot noodles, mix and then pour into a buttered (or “Pammed”) casserole dish.  If you like some crunch and texture add breadcrumbs on top.  (This time I used Italian bread crumbs and fried french onions since that is what I had in my pantry.  Next time I’d like to make my own bread crumbs when I take more time)

Put in oven for 20 minutes @ 350 degrees until top is nicely browned and sides are bubbling.

If you are making this ahead: Cover casserole w/ foil and place in refrigerator.  Put in oven for 40 minutes at 350 degrees. Then uncover for 20 minutes & serve when golden brown & bubbly.

This completely satisfied my craving.  Next time I may be a little more healthy and add some broccoli.  Yes, I believe it’s more healthy when I add in some green vegetables.

Here are a few links to some other Mac & Cheese recipes that look good.  Combine all of them to create your very own version.

Pioneer Woman’s Fancy Macaroni- um this has bacon and caramelized onions…yes

Spicy Mac and Cheese by Annie’s Eats- Mac and Cheese with some extra spice and flavor sounds yum

Mushroom Herb Mac and Cheese by Annie’s Eats- Clearly other people have my same craving.  I actually went back to add this in today when I saw she had just posted this.  I am trying this one next.

30 Days-30 Ways with Macaroni & Cheese- Want to eat it for 30 days straight? This has recipes with all different types of cheese and a variety of fun recipes to try.

Do you like Macaroni and Cheese?  What meals have you been craving lately?

p.s. macaroni and cheese makes for delicious leftovers…