Easy Homemade Mac & Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Macaroni and cheese is a timeless comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and easy to make from scratch. This homemade version uses simple ingredients and a straightforward method to deliver rich, satisfying flavor in every bite.
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
- Step 1: Cook macaroni according to package directions and drain. Return macaroni to the pot it cooked in.
- Step 2: While macaroni is cooking, measure milk and flour into a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake until well mixed.
- Step 3: Give the milk mixture one more good shake, then pour it into the pot with the drained macaroni.
- Step 4: Set the pot over medium heat and cook, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and just comes to a simmer. Then immediately remove from heat.
- Step 5: Stir in the butter and shredded Cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and add salt and pepper as desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use sharp Cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor, or mix in Gruyère for a nuttier twist.
- To make it creamier, add a splash of cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end.
- For a crispy topping, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and broil until golden.
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 little 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, you can substitute macaroni with other small pasta shapes like shells, elbow pasta, or penne. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.
How do I prevent the sauce from getting grainy?
Stir the sauce continuously while heating and avoid boiling it for too long. Removing the pot from heat as soon as it simmers helps keep the sauce smooth.
PrintEasy Homemade Mac & Cheese Recipe
This Easy Homemade Mac & Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic using simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features tender macaroni noodles enveloped in a luscious cheddar cheese sauce made from scratch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Macaroni
- 8 oz. macaroni noodles (about 1 and 3/4 cup)
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 Tbsp. butter, cut into 8 pieces
- 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook macaroni: Boil macaroni noodles according to the package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly. Return the drained noodles to the pot used for cooking.
- Mix milk and flour: While the pasta cooks, combine milk and flour in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine milk mixture with pasta: Give the milk and flour mixture one last shake and pour it into the pot with the drained macaroni.
- Cook sauce: Place the pot over medium heat and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and just begins to simmer. Remove the pot immediately from the heat to prevent curdling.
- Add butter and cheese: Stir in the butter pieces and shredded cheddar thoroughly until melted and creamy. Taste the mac & cheese and season with salt and pepper as desired.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bold, classic flavor.
- Keep stirring the sauce continuously to avoid lumps and scorching.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk but avoid skim for creaminess.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle warm flavor if desired.
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Keywords: homemade mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, mac and cheese recipe, cheddar mac and cheese, comfort food, creamy mac and cheese
