Introduction

This easy creamy Mac ‘N Cheese is a comforting classic that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner. With a rich cheese sauce made from scratch, it combines simple ingredients into a smooth and satisfying dish everyone will love.

The image shows creamy yellow macaroni and cheese topped with small green herbs, served in a small black cast iron dish with handles on both sides. The dish sits on a folded dark blue cloth napkin, placed on a white plate with a yellow rim and yellow abstract shapes near the center. A spoon with a wooden handle rests inside the macaroni and cheese. In the background, there is a white plate with a red rim filled with fresh green salad leaves, and a small wooden bowl containing black pepper. All items are set on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup Country Crock® Original Spread
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, whisk together the milk, Country Crock® Original Spread, and flour in a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently to prevent lumps.
Step 3: Reduce the heat and cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely, then remove the sauce from the heat.
Step 5: Return the drained macaroni to the pot and toss thoroughly with the cheese sauce until well coated. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of mustard powder to the cheese sauce.
Try mixing in cooked bacon bits or steamed broccoli for added texture and taste.
Use sharp cheddar for a bolder cheese flavor or mix cheeses like mozzarella and Monterey Jack for creaminess with stretch.
To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

A small oval black cast iron dish filled with creamy, yellow macaroni and cheese topped with finely chopped green herbs sits on a folded dark blue napkin. This dish is placed on a large white plate with yellow rings and designs on it. A spoon with a wooden handle rests inside the macaroni and cheese. In the background to the right, there is a white plate with a red rim holding a fresh green leafy salad. Below that, there is a small round wooden bowl filled with ground black pepper, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta such as shells, rotini, or penne works well in this recipe and holds the cheese sauce nicely.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Replace the butter with a plant-based spread, use a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk, and substitute the cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative.

Easy Creamy Mac ‘N Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 90 reviews

This Easy Creamy Mac ‘N Cheese is a classic comfort food made with tender elbow macaroni and a rich, cheesy sauce. The sauce is prepared using milk, Country Crock® Original Spread, and cheddar cheese, resulting in a smooth and creamy dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces elbow macaroni

Sauce

1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup Country Crock® Original Spread
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce: While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the milk, Country Crock® Original Spread, and all-purpose flour in a large saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil while whisking frequently to avoid lumps. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
Add the cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese into the thickened sauce until fully melted and smooth. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Toss the pasta with sauce: Return the drained pasta to the large pot and pour the cheese sauce over it. Toss gently to coat all the macaroni with the creamy cheese sauce evenly.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, cook the flour and Country Crock® spread mixture a bit longer before adding the milk.
You can add a pinch of black pepper or paprika to enhance the flavor if desired.
Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense cheesy taste.
Serve immediately for the best creamy texture, or reheat gently adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much upon standing.

Keywords: Mac and Cheese, Creamy Macaroni and Cheese, Comfort Food, Cheesy Pasta, Easy Dinner