Certain foods seem to stand the test of time in our home kitchens longer than others, perhaps due to ease of cooking, just plain deliciousness, or a combination of both. Enter macaroni & cheese. There are countless variations on the classic recipe out there – from spicy buffalo to truffle specked – and depending on your mood or the season, there’s a version to suit your fancy. If you’re feeling nostalgic for the classic blue box variety (you know, with the neon orange cheese powder) but don’t necessarily dig the artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, there’s a recipe for you, too. This macaroni and cheese has the same golden hue, the familiar small shell pasta, and all of the creaminess and tang that you crave from a proper cheese sauce. One thing it lacks? A laundry list of ingredients you can’t pronounce. Talk about a win-win.
Shells & Cheese
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
This homemade macaroni and cheese offers the nostalgic flavor of the classic blue box without artificial additives, featuring a creamy cheese sauce and tender shell pasta.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of organic half and half, warmed
- 2 cups of a combination of shredded cheddar and gruyere cheeses
- 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces of small shell pasta
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large nonstick saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the flour, whisking constantly, until well incorporated, about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the warmed half and half, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and gruyere cheeses until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Meanwhile, cook the shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring to ensure all shells are coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results. You can substitute the cheeses with your preferred varieties, such as mozzarella or fontina, for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 25
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 80
