If you want to up the spice factor, use Pepper Jack Cheese. Monterey Jack melts like a dream and has a mild flavor. If you are looking for a strong flavor and don't want to shell out the cash, you can substitute with Swiss Cheese. Gruyere Cheese is also a nice choice but it can be pricey. It has the strong cheese flavor you are seeking and still melts nicely. What type of cheese should you use? A sharp cheddar cheese is always a good choice. This is what will give the cheese sauce the structure it needs. The butter is melted in a large saucepan or pot, then flour is added, and whisked together to make a thick paste. It is the base of the sauce and gives off a nuttiness that is integral to the cheese sauce. It is well-known how I feel about butter (LOVE it!). So how do you make Homemade Macaroni and Cheese? I was on the search for the best macaroni and cheese recipe and after many experiments in the kitchen, I am feeling really good that we have it! Did you know cheese can be finicky when melted? Oh yes, it can. There are some serious tips and tricks for making the best mac n' cheese.

We are getting down to the business of making the good stuff - Homemade Macaroni and Cheese. We may have eaten it as kids (and our kids may even still devour it) but man alive it isn't REAL mac n' cheese.

For a simple change of texture and appearance, replace the elbow macaroni with mini penne or small or medium shell pasta.Bye bye, fake orange stuff.

Make it a little spicier with some finely chopped jalapeno pepper.

Use part or all pepper jack cheese in place of the cheddar.

For some Tex-Mex color and flavor, add about 1/4 cup of sliced ripe olives, a small can of chopped mild green chile peppers, and 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper.

For a main dish option, add about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of cooked diced ham to the macaroni and cheese mixture. Or brown about 1/2 pound of ground beef or pork sausage along with 1/2 cup of chopped onion.

To make a mac-n-cheese with bacon, stir about 1/4 cup of diced cooked bacon into the sauce along with the cheese and macaroni.

Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the casserole before it goes into the oven.

Add a breadcrumb topping: Omit the extra 1/2 cup of cheese in this recipe and toss one cup of fine soft breadcrumbs with two tablespoons of melted butter.

Mac n cheese without roux