Making Memories: Mom’s Homemade Mac n’ Cheese

Homemade mac n’ cheese is always better than the boxed stuff, especially this recipe!

We asked a few familiar faces and friends of the show to identify a core food memory in their life for a fun new series in the Studio 5 Kitchen, Making Memories. Each guest shares recipes that are special to them.

Courtney Rich shares her mom’s homemade mac n’ cheese recipe. Courtney says, “I grew up on homemade mac n’ cheese. This recipe was a weekly staple in my house since I can remember and continues to be one in my own home now. It’s known as grandma’s Macaroni and Cheese to my kids, but Mom’s Macaroni and Cheese to me. Of all the recipes my mom made, this one will forever be my favorite comfort meal. I asked for it all the time, especially on special occasions like my birthday. When I recently asked the kids what they wanted for our Easter dinner, Avery insisted on Grandma’s Macaroni and Cheese.”

Find more of Courtney’s recipes on Instagram, @cakebycourtney, or at www.cakebycourtney.com.

Mom’s Macaroni and Cheese (revised from Betty Crocker)

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (7 ounces)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups milk (2% or whole)
• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (8 ounces)
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4-1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to low broil setting.
2. Cook macaroni as directed the on package.
3. While the macaroni is cooking, melt the 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble. Remove from heat.
4. Stir in milk and then heat to a boil, stirring constantly. The mixture will start to thicken.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted.
6. Drain macaroni and gently stir it into the cheese sauce.
7. Pour the macaroni into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
8. Combine the melted butter and breadcrumbs in a small mixing bowl. Stir until breadcrumbs are “wet.” Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the macaroni.
9. Broil the macaroni under low broil until the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Keep your eye on it. This will only take a few minutes.