This Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. With the perfect al dente pasta and a silky, smooth sauce, you will love this delicious velvety mac & cheese that reminds you of childhood. The sour cream adds a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy flavor to the mac & cheese.

Mac & Cheese is super easy. It’s easy to make with minimal ingredients, ready in under 15 minutes, and a snap to clean up. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough to serve alongside your holiday favorites.

It’s perfect for quick dinners and is easily customizable. You can easily turn it from a side into a main dish by adding cooked protein such as ham or ground beef, and your favorite veggies. You can change the flavor profile by adding spices, different cheese blends, or extra mix-ins such as crunchy bacon, buttery, toasty breadcrumbs, or fresh herbs.

• Elbow Macaroni (2 cups): The familiar pasta shape from childhood that makes the perfect al dente bite.
• Salted Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a rich flavor to the sauce.
• Milk (¾ cup): Thins the sauce and helps the cheese melt into a velvety sauce.
• Shredded Melting Cheese (2 cups): Adds the cheesy base of the sauce. You can pick your favorite or try a blend of cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Swiss, parmesan, or blue cheese.
• Daisy Sour Cream (¾ cup): Adds a rich, tangy flavor to the sauce and adds additional creaminess to the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): The classic spice combo that elevates the flavors of savory foods.
• Optional Add-Ins (1-2 cups total): Try a combination of your favorite cooked proteins and veggies.

• Any bite-size pasta will work well in this recipe, including gluten-free pasta. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
• Heavy cream (also called whipping cream) may be used in place of milk for a richer, creamier, sauce.
• Half the milk may be replaced with chicken broth for a flavor twist and to lighten up the sauce a tad bit.
• If your Mac & Cheese is too thin, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. If the sauce is too thick, add milk, a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
• Feel free to use your favorite melting cheese, or combination of melting cheeses. Using a mixture of cheeses adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Try adding precooked ground beef, Italian sausage, chicken, or cubed ham for a heartier dish.
• Add some veggies. Everyone could use some extra vitamins and minerals. Adding 1 tablespoon thinly sliced green onions will add flavor and a pop of color. Adding cooked veggies is a terrific way to get more nutrients without making an extra side. Broccoli and green peas are both delicious additions. Even the pickiest eaters will gobble it up.
• Spice it up by adding a dash of hot sauce, a teaspoon of seeded and diced jalapeno pepper, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or a 4 ounce can of drained and diced green chiles.
• Adding ¼ – ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika and other dried spices such as garlic powder or onion powder, or 1 teaspoon of fresh herbs such as thyme, basil, or rosemary will lend a more sophisticated flavor.
• Try sprinkling with toasted buttery breadcrumbs which will add flavor and a crunchy texture contrast.
• Quick and easy to make ahead, Mac & Cheese may be made ahead and kept warm in a slow-cooker set on low for up to 4 hours, making it ideal for potlucks or holidays.
• The easiest way to reheat is by adding 1 tablespoon of milk, covering and microwaving at 50% power for 1 minute. Stir. Then continue heating at 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, make the sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan. Add the milk until warm (not boiling). Slowly add the cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted.
3. Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Stir until combined. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.
4. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.