Easy Homemade Mac & Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that’s simple to make from scratch. This easy homemade recipe uses a creamy cheese sauce and tender macaroni for a satisfying meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

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

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

Tips & Variations

• For a richer sauce, substitute half-and-half for the milk or add a splash of cream.
• Try mixing in cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavor.
• Use a blend of cheeses, like Gruyère or Monterey Jack, alongside Cheddar for a more complex taste.
• To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend and pasta made from rice or quinoa.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like shells, rotini, or penne will work well in this recipe.

What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?

If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, cook it a bit longer over medium heat while stirring to thicken it up.

Easy Homemade Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 112 reviews

This Easy Homemade Mac & Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic made from simple pantry staples. With a quick stovetop preparation, tender macaroni noodles are combined with a smooth, cheesy sauce thickened by a homemade milk and flour mixture, then enriched with sharp Cheddar cheese and butter. Perfect for a satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Cook Macaroni: Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package directions until tender. Drain the noodles well and return them to the pot in which they were cooked.
2. Prepare Milk Mixture: While the macaroni cooks, combine the milk and flour in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake the mixture vigorously until the flour is fully incorporated and the liquid is smooth.
3. Add Milk Mixture: Give the milk and flour mixture one final shake, then pour it into the pot with the drained macaroni.
4. Cook Sauce: Place the pot over medium heat and stir continuously. Cook the mixture until the sauce thickens and just begins to simmer, then promptly remove the pot from the heat to prevent scorching.
5. Finish with Butter and Cheese: Stir the butter pieces and shredded sharp Cheddar cheese into the hot sauce. Stir until the butter is melted and the cheese is fully incorporated, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce coating the macaroni. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired before serving.

Notes

• Shake the milk and flour mixture well to avoid lumps in your sauce.
• Use sharp Cheddar for a stronger flavor, or try mixing cheeses for a different taste.
• Cook sauce gently over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent burning or clumping.
• For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of cream or a little extra butter.
• This recipe can be doubled to serve more people, just adjust cooking times accordingly.

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