Introduction

This easy homemade mac & cheese recipe delivers creamy, cheesy comfort in just a few simple steps. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal anytime you need a little indulgence.

Easy Homemade Mac & Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

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 the macaroni according to the package directions, then drain it well. Return the drained macaroni to the pot you cooked it in.
Step 2: While the macaroni cooks, 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.
Step 3: Give the milk and flour mixture one more good shake, then pour it into the pot with the drained macaroni.
Step 4: Place the pot over medium heat and cook, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens and just begins to simmer. Remove the pot immediately from the heat to prevent curdling.
Step 5: Stir in the butter and shredded Cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, try using half-and-half instead of milk.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder to the sauce for a subtle depth of flavor.
Mix in cooked bacon, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier dish.
Use a blend of cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a richer taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk, stirring frequently to restore creaminess. Avoid microwave reheating without stirring, as it can cause uneven heating.

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 short pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Remove the sauce from heat as soon as it begins to simmer and stir in the cheese slowly. Overheating can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy.

Easy Homemade Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 141 reviews

This easy homemade mac & cheese recipe offers a creamy, cheesy comfort dish made from scratch with simple ingredients. Perfectly cooked macaroni noodles are combined with a rich cheddar cheese sauce, thickened with a milk and flour mixture, and enhanced by butter, resulting in a velvety texture and classic flavor that satisfies any craving for a quick and delicious meal.

Author: Marco
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

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: Boil the macaroni noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and return them to the pot they were cooked in to prepare for the sauce.
Prepare milk mixture: While the macaroni cooks, combine 2 cups of milk and 1/4 cup of flour in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until the flour is well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Add milk mixture to pasta: Give the milk and flour mixture a final shake to ensure smoothness, then pour it into the pot containing the drained macaroni.
Cook sauce: Place the pot over medium heat and stir continuously. Cook the mixture until the sauce thickens and just reaches a simmer. Once thickened, promptly remove the pot from the heat to prevent overcooking.
Add butter and cheese: Stir in the butter pieces until melted and well incorporated. Then add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and mix until fully melted and combined, creating a creamy cheese sauce coating the macaroni.
Season and serve: Taste the mac and cheese and add salt and pepper to your preference. Mix well and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best rich, tangy flavor.
Ensure continuous stirring when cooking the sauce to avoid lumps.
You can use whole or 2% milk depending on desired creaminess.
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and flour alternative.
For extra creaminess, add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end.

Keywords: homemade mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, classic comfort food, cheddar mac and cheese