Macaroni and Cheese.

This seems to be a staple in the American diet, especially when children are involved.

Unfortunately, boxed mac ‘n cheese isn’t healthy on any level – even those boxes labeled organic! Boxed mac ‘n cheese is still a highly processed food – so why not make your own?

I know, I know…you think it’s too time consuming – and it possible does take a little more time than opening up that box and pouring noodles in a pan!

BUT – before you decide to nix the idea altogether – realize that it can take anywhere from 15-20 minutes to make a box of mac ‘n cheese. Then you only get a couple servings out of it and tummies are still hungry.

Why not take an extra 15-20 and make some good ole fashioned HOME MADE mac ‘n cheese?!

Boil some noodles – while that’s being done, make the sauce, mix together, top with cheese and bread crumbs and bake for around 15 minutes!

Whaaa????

That’s all it takes to get a delicious comfort food dish that’s healthy for you (and definitely not lacking like those box brands)?

In my house we use several different recipes, the most favorite featured in my cookbook Real Food. Real Kitchen. So Good! The second is this one. Quick, easy and simply delicious!

Give it a try and see what you and your family think. It may go on your favorites list!

Cheese Loaded Mac ‘n Cheese

Effort: Medium

Total prep and cook time: around 40 minutes

Makes: 6-8 servings

Baking dish: 10 x 10 square baking dish

What you need:

2 tablespoons butter, from grass-fed cows

1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 tablespoons flour (we like spelt)

2 cups whole milk, from grass-fed cows

1 teaspoon kosher sea salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper, ground

2/3 – 1 cup plain yogurt, full-fat

4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided

1/3-1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs (we use sourdough)

3 cups pasta, uncooked

What you do:

* Precook the noodles so they are ready and on-hand for this dish.

1. Preheat the oven to 450F degrees.

2. In a 4-6 quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.

3. Add the onions and saute for about 4 minutes until they are transparent.

4. Add the garlic and saute for an extra 1-2 minutes.

5. With a whisk in hand and measured milk within reach, add the 2 tablespoons of flour and begin to whisk into a paste.

6. Once flour is a paste (only takes a few seconds), slowly stream the milk into the saucepan as you continue to whisk until it begins to get bubbles on the surface (do not boil or it will scald the milk).

7. Once the simmer begins, turn heat to low and allow to cook until it thickens, which may require you to stir often so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

8. Once thick, turn the heat off and add in the salt, pepper and yogurt and stir until combined well.

9. Add 3 cups of cheese and stir until the cheese in melted.

10. Add the cooked noodles and combine thoroughly.

11. Pour into the baking dish, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top, then sprinkle with the bread crumbs.

12. Cook for 15-18 minutes or until the cheese in bubbly and the bread crumbs begin to brown.

13. Remove from the oven and serve!

Go ahead and skip the box and dive into this amazingly delish dish!

xo Kari