Easy Homestyle Mac and Cheese for Now and Later

Easy Homestyle Mac and Cheese for Now and Later

I absolutely adore meals that I can make once and have two dishes of, one for now and one for the freezer when I need a quick meal.  Easy Homestyle Mac and Cheese definitely fits that bill.  Creamy, cheesy, and delicious, you can bake one the day you make it (or up to two days later) and freeze one in an aluminum pan for up to 6 months.  It tastes just as delicious after it’s been frozen as it does when it’s fresh.  You can add browned meat or veggies to Easy Homestyle Mac and Cheese for a one dish meal that your family will love.

Fresh Ingredients for Easy Homestyle Mac and Cheese

I keep Easy Homestyle Mac and Cheese creamy by starting out with cream cheese.  It’s a wonderful, thick cheese that gives a delicious creamy base that melds well with other, stronger flavors.  Butter thins out the cream cheese, allowing the other cheeses to melt and mix well with it.  Colby provides a great base flavor, and I try to purchase both that and the sharper cheeses in block form, as they typically have a stronger flavor.  I used mild cheddar as the stronger flavor note in my Easy Homestyle Mac and Cheese, but you can use any sharper cheese as well.  I often use an extra sharp cheddar, but I had the mild on hand this time.  The pasta you use for Easy Homestyle Mac and Cheese makes a difference too.  I love to use twisty pastas, as they hold more flavor and sauce, ensuring that it’s on the pasta, and not in the bottom of the bowl.

• 2 lbs twisty pasta
• 1 8 oz pkg cream cheese
• 1 stick butter
• 3 C milk
• 1 lb mild cheese, such as colby, shredded
• 1 lb stronger cheese, such as cheddar, shredded

1. In a large pot, boil the pasta until it is about halfway done, with a stiff bite in the center.  Drain and divide between two 13×9 pans that are well greased.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the cream cheese and butter, whisking together.
3. Slowly stir in the milk and bring to a slight simmer.
4. Add in the shredded cheeses, a little at a time.  Melt the previous addition before adding more.
5. Once all the cheese is melted, pour half over each pan of pasta.  Stir well.
6. Wrap one pan in aluminum foil and freeze for later.
7. To bake, heat oven to 350 degrees F.
8. Bake covered until sauce is bubbly.  Remove foil and crisp top or add more cheese if desired.
9. Serve hot.

Changing Up Your Easy Homestyle Mac and Cheese

If you are looking for a different flavor in your Easy Homestyle Mac and Cheese, try adding some crisp bacon, turkey pepperoni, or browned ground beef.  Italian sausage, both mild and hot, work well in Easy Homestyle Mac and Cheese too.  A few of my favorite things to add to Easy Homestyle Mac and Cheese is drained, diced tomatoes, browned and drained chorizo, for a south of the border flavor that is beyond delicious.  Flavor up your Easy Homestyle Mac and Cheese, for now or later!

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You can find more delicious recipes in the Recipe section of our blog! So be sure to check out other easy meals you can make for you and your family! And budget friendly too!