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White bowls of mac and cheese.
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4.67 from 3 votes

Freezer Mac and Cheese

This freezer mac and cheese is perfect for the busy family who wants an easy, homemade meal. Kids (and adults) will LOVE it!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy, Freezer Meal, homemade, Kid-Friendly
Servings: 8
Calories: 501kcal
Author: Karrie

Ingredients

White Sauce Base

  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 oz dried macaroni pasta
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup colby cheese shredded
  • 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Sprinkle cornstarch overtop and cook, whisking constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes, until foamy and simmering (do not let it brown).
  • Add chicken broth; cook, whisking constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes, until sauce thickens and starts to simmer. Remove from heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Pasta: In a large bowl, combine white sauce and cream. Add Colby, and Sharp Cheddar cheeses; stir until melted and smooth. Set aside.
  • Fill a large stockpot with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook macaroni for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just beginning to get soft (the pasta should be starting to get tender but have a firm bite). Drain and rinse with cold water to cool quickly. Set aside.

MAKE IT NOW

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Return macaroni to stockpot, add cheese sauce and gently mix together. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a 9- by 9-inch baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until golden on top and bubbly on the inside. Let cool for 10 minutes, then serve.

MAKE IT A FREEZER MEAL

  • Let cheese sauce cool to room temperature. Return cooled macaroni to stockpot, add sauce and gently mix together. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a 9-by-9 -inch baking dish. Wrap baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, pressing down gently to remove air. Cover with foil. Label and place in freezer.

THAW AND COOK

  • Place baking dish in refrigerator for around 24 hours to thaw. Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove foil and plastic wrap. Bake in preheated oven for 45-55 minutes or until golden on top and bubbly on the inside. Let cool for 10 minutes, then serve.

Notes

If you'd like to bake this from frozen (and not thaw) you can! Simply preheat your oven to 375°F. Remove plastic wrap and foil from pan, then recover with the foil. I like to place on a baking pan. Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until bubbly all over and lightly golden (about 15-20 minutes longer). 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 501kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Cholesterol: 127mg | Sodium: 478mg | Potassium: 190mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1355IU | Vitamin C: 4.5mg | Calcium: 265mg | Iron: 0.7mg