Easy Homemade Mac & Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This easy homemade mac & cheese is a comforting classic that’s ready in no time. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly simple, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy treat any day.
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, then drain and return to the pot it cooked in.
- Step 2: While macaroni cooks, combine milk and flour in a jar or container with a tight lid. Shake well until fully mixed.
- Step 3: Give the milk mixture another 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 from heat immediately.
- Step 5: Stir in the butter and shredded cheese until smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese.
- Substitute sharp Cheddar with a blend of cheddar and Gruyère for a deeper flavor.
- Add cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables for added texture and taste.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free macaroni to suit dietary preferences.
Storage
Store leftover mac & 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 small or medium pasta shape like shells, rotini, or penne works well for mac & cheese.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?
Make sure to stir constantly while heating the milk mixture and remove from heat as soon as it simmers. Using shredded cheese instead of pre-sliced helps the cheese melt smoothly.
PrintEasy Homemade Mac & Cheese Recipe
This Easy Homemade Mac & Cheese recipe combines tender cooked macaroni with a creamy, cheesy sauce made from a simple milk and flour mixture, sharp cheddar cheese, and butter. It’s a quick and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy treat.
- 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)
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 according to the package directions, typically boiling them in salted water until tender. Once cooked, drain the noodles well and return them to the pot they were cooked in.
- Prepare Milk Mixture: While the macaroni cooks, combine the milk and flour in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until the flour is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Milk Mixture: Give the milk and flour mixture one more vigorous shake before pouring it into the pot with the drained macaroni.
- Cook Sauce: Place the pot over medium heat and stir continuously. As the sauce heats, it will begin to thicken. Continue stirring until the sauce just comes to a simmer, then immediately remove the pot from the heat to prevent burning.
- Add Butter and Cheese: Stir in the butter pieces and shredded sharp Cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste the mac & cheese and season with salt and pepper as desired before serving.
Notes
- Use sharp Cheddar cheese for the best flavor, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for creaminess and gooeyness.
- For a richer sauce, you can substitute half of the milk with half-and-half or cream.
- Stir continuously while heating the sauce to prevent lumps and burning.
- To add more texture, consider topping the mac & cheese with breadcrumbs and baking it briefly in the oven until golden brown.
- This recipe serves about 4 people as a main dish or 6 as a side.
Keywords: mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, cheddar cheese pasta
