My Mac~n~Cheese Must Have

Who wants to eat my homemade Macaroni and Cheese? I must say I make the best mac~n~cheese or at least everyone who taste it thinks so! Yes that is a challenge, if you think your homemade mac~n~cheese is better send me your recipe so I can taste test. Better yet you make mine and let me know what you think! Sound like a plan?

 

 

So sometime ago I needed to come up with a mac~n~cheese recipe. If you have children you know what I am talking about. Children could live off of mac~n~cheese but that nasty stuff you get in a box just don't cut it as a meal! Of course you could use Velveeta but it just don't taste like a homemade mac~n~cheese recipe. So I had to put my mind to work.

 

So the first key to making homemade mac~n~cheese is a soft cheese! Hoffman's Cheese is just that and it comes in a huge variety of flavors! I wanted a real distinct taste and the Hickory Smoked Swiss and Cheddar Cheese has a real powerful flavor that I like. I wanted it to be real cheesy so I picked up another Hoffman's flavor. I have played around over the years and I like the Pepper Jack and Hickory Smoked together. The key for me is the hickory smoked cheese, that's a must have, but you can play around with the other flavors and see what you like best. Although I think the hickory smoked is a must have the other flavors are good as well.

Now lets get to making some homemade mac~n~cheese! Boil a pot of water. When the water comes to a boil add 4 cups of elbow macaroni. I make my mac~n~cheese as a casserole so I need plenty of macaroni to fill a 9 x 13 casserole dish. While your waiting for your macaroni, grate your cheese. I use 8 oz. of each, but I'm sure you can use less if you like. When your macaroni is done cooking drain it. Bring your pot back over to the stove and add a cup of milk and your cheese. Melt your cheese and then add your macaroni back to the pot. If you are going to make this as a casserole dish make sure your mixture is creamy but yet liquidity because when you stick it in the oven you don't want it to dry out.

 

 Now when you have a husband mac~n~cheese is not good enough for a meal, so I like to add ham to it. I like to used leftover ham but we don't eat ham all the time so I like to use Farmland Fully Cooked Diced Ham as the other option.

Now mix it all up. You can eat it like this or make a little casserole with it.

 

 I then add it to a 9 x 13 casserole dish a sprinkle some Italian Style Bread Crumbs over the top of it for some added flavor and texture (see first picture above). Now stick it in the oven at 350° for about 15 minutes or so.

 

 

Take it out and I'm sure your little ones will be as happy as mine are. It's their favorite meal! And I'm sure your husband won't be disappointed either with the added meat.

 

So let me know what you think! I promise it's pretty yummy :)~  It's a great meal and it's great for a side dish also. I've brought it to many occasions and came home empty handed. Oh and if you have leftovers I like to use it for a side with hamburgers or hot dogs. There is so much you can do with this recipe it's a must have. I hope you enjoy this meal as much as my family does!