Grandma’s Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese was a staple at my grandma’s table — rich, creamy, and always made with Balderson cheddar, that iconic Ontario cheese with a sharp, nutty bite. She never bothered with fancy toppings or baking it in the oven; her version went straight from the pot to the plate, gooey and comforting. For us, it wasn’t just supper — it was tradition, rooted in Canadian flavour and simplicity.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 6
Ingredients
400 g (14 oz) macaroni
4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk, warmed
3–4 cups sharp (old) cheddar cheese, grated (ideally Balderson or another Canadian old cheddar)
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Method
Cook the pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the roux: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a smooth paste and cook 1–2 minutes.
Build the sauce: Gradually whisk in warm milk, stirring until smooth and thickened (5–7 minutes).
Add the cheese: Remove from heat and stir in grated cheddar until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine & serve: Fold in cooked macaroni, making sure it’s well coated. Serve straight from the pot — hot, gooey, and comforting.
Variations
Baked version: Transfer to a casserole dish, top with breadcrumbs and butter, and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes.
Vegetable boost: Stir in peas, broccoli, or roasted cauliflower for extra texture.
Prairie twist: Swap half the cheddar for smoked Gouda or add a splash of cream for richness
Kraft Dinner (KD) was introduced in Canada in 1937 and became a staple during the Depression and WWII, when meat and fresh ingredients were scarce. Its low cost and long shelf life made it an instant hit. Over time, KD became a cultural icon — Canadians now consume more Kraft Dinner per capita than anywhere else in the world, with an estimated 1.7 million boxes sold every week. While Grandma’s stovetop cheddar version was rich and homemade, Kraft Dinner became the pantry classic that defined Canadian comfort food for generations.
