Introduction

Mac & Cheese is a classic comfort food loved by all ages. This easy homemade version is creamy, cheesy, and comes together quickly with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.

Easy Homemade Mac & Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

8 oz. macaroni noodles (about 1 and 3/4 cup)
2 cups milk
1/4 cup flour
2 Tbsp. butter, cut into 8 pieces
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook macaroni according to package directions and drain. Return the cooked macaroni to the pot.
Step 2: While the macaroni cooks, combine the milk and flour in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until well mixed.
Step 3: Shake the milk and flour mixture one more time, then pour it into the pot with the drained macaroni.
Step 4: Place the pot over medium heat and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and just begins to simmer. Remove immediately from heat.
Step 5: Stir in the butter and shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, use whole milk or add a splash of heavy cream.
Try mixing in different cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Parmesan for varied flavor.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder to enhance the cheese sauce.
If you prefer baked mac & cheese, transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until golden.

Storage

Store leftover mac & cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of macaroni?

Yes, any small pasta shapes like shells, elbows, or rotini work well and hold the cheese sauce nicely.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Stir the sauce continuously over medium heat and remove from heat as soon as it starts simmering to avoid overheating the cheese, which can cause graininess.

Easy Homemade Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 93 reviews

This easy homemade mac & cheese recipe combines creamy, cheesy goodness with simple ingredients for a comforting and quick meal that everyone will love. With a smooth cheese sauce made from scratch and classic elbow macaroni, it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a family favorite side dish.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni

8 oz. macaroni noodles (about 1 and 3/4 cups)

Sauce

2 cups milk
1/4 cup flour
2 Tbsp. butter, cut into 8 pieces
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook macaroni: Cook macaroni noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and return the macaroni to the pot it was cooked in.
Prepare milk mixture: While the macaroni is cooking, combine the milk and flour in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add milk mixture to macaroni: Give the milk and flour mixture one last shake to ensure it’s well blended, then pour it into the pot with the drained macaroni.
Cook sauce: Set the pot over medium heat and stir continuously. Cook until the sauce thickens and just begins to simmer, making sure not to let it boil. Once thickened, immediately remove the pot from heat to prevent curdling.
Finish mac & cheese: Stir in the butter pieces until melted and combined. Then add the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese and stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired before serving.

Notes

Use sharp Cheddar cheese for the best flavor and meltability.
Stir continuously when cooking the sauce to prevent lumps.
You can substitute the macaroni for other small pasta shapes if desired.
Adjust thickness by cooking sauce slightly longer or adding a splash of milk for a creamier texture.
This recipe serves as a great base to add extras like cooked bacon, broccoli, or breadcrumbs on top.

Keywords: mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food, quick dinner