Introduction

This easy homemade mac & cheese is a comforting classic that comes together quickly with simple ingredients. Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing side dish.

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 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 cheese. Taste and add salt and pepper to your preference.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, use whole milk or add a splash of cream.
Try mixing in other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder to enhance the cheesy taste.
Top with breadcrumbs and broil for a crispy finish.

Storage

Store leftover mac & cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?

Yes, any small to medium pasta like shells, elbow macaroni, or penne works well for mac & cheese.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Make sure to stir the milk and flour mixture continuously while heating and avoid boiling once the sauce thickens. Removing from heat promptly helps keep the sauce smooth.

Easy Homemade Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 103 reviews

This easy homemade mac & cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic made from scratch. With simple ingredients like macaroni, sharp Cheddar cheese, and a smooth milk-based sauce thickened with flour and butter, it’s a quick stovetop dish perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy meals. The step-by-step method ensures a luscious texture without needing any special equipment.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

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 the macaroni noodles according to the package directions until al dente, then drain the water. Return the drained macaroni into the same pot used for cooking.
Prepare milk mixture: While the pasta is cooking, combine the milk and flour in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
Add milk mixture: Give the milk and flour mixture one final shake to ensure it’s fully combined, then 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 starts to gently simmer. Once thickened, immediately remove the pot from heat to prevent burning.
Finish with butter and cheese: Stir in the pieces of butter and shredded sharp Cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as desired before serving.

Notes

Use sharp Cheddar cheese for a rich flavor; other cheeses like Gouda or Monterey Jack can be substituted for variation.
Stir continuously while heating the sauce to prevent lumps and burning.
Serve immediately for best creaminess, or reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore texture.
For a thicker sauce, cook the sauce for a bit longer before removing from heat.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: homemade mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, kid-friendly dinner