Mac and cheese is one of those comfort foods that everyone likes. This is my go-to recipe when I’m feeding children, and it never lets me down. They love it! When my own kids were growing up, I think I made this at least once a week. Maybe more! I’ve “dressed” my recipe up with green onions, and adults love it too. However, when I make it for little ones, I keep it simple, and leave the onions out.
I like to use the largest size macaroni noodles that I can find because the cheese sauce can really get inside them … but you can use whatever you like.
![homemade, simple, easy, macaroni and cheese, pioneer woman, cheesy](http://d1srdn5lm0231r.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/29021007/2016-04-04_9669_edited-1-1024x683.jpg)
While the macaroni is boiling, melt butter over low heat. Add green onions (if you want to use them), and saute over medium heat for 2 minutes.
![homemade, simple, easy, macaroni and cheese, pioneer woman, cheesy](http://d1srdn5lm0231r.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/29021115/2016-04-04_9722_edited-1-1024x683.jpg)
Drain macaroni. Shake it several times to make sure all the water comes out from inside the pasta. Then return it to the pot.
![](http://d1srdn5lm0231r.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/29021156/2016-04-04_9753_edited-1-683x1024.jpg)
![](http://d1srdn5lm0231r.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/29021156/2016-04-04_9753_edited-1-683x1024.jpg)
- 2 cups macaroni
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 green onions, chopped (optional)
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- Bring 6 cups water (add 1 teaspoon salt, if desired) to a boil in a large pot.
- Add macaroni, return to a boil, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring every minute or so.
- While the pasta cooks, make the cheese sauce.
- Over low heat, melt butter in a 2 quart pot. If using green onion, add them to butter, and sauté over medium heat for two minutes.
- Whisk in flour, bouillon, paprika, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Add milk, and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat, and stir in cheese until completely melted.
- Drain macaroni thoroughly. (You don’t want any of the pasta water in your mac and cheese.) Then return to pot.
- Pour cheese sauce over macaroni, and stir to combine.
- Top with fresh chopped green onion, if desired, and serve immediately.
![homemade, simple, easy, macaroni and cheese, pioneer woman, cheesy, mac and cheese](http://d1srdn5lm0231r.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/29021229/2016-04-04_9767_edited-2-683x1024.jpg)