Print

Easy Homemade Mac & Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/easy-homemade-mac-and-cheese-recipe-3/