Print

Homemade Mac and Cheese

Homemade Mac and Cheese
Print Recipe

This homemade mac and cheese recipe offers a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic that is simple to prepare, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Featuring a rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and optional Gruyère or mozzarella, combined with tender elbow macaroni, it delivers warm, velvety goodness in under 30 minutes. Ideal as a cozy dinner or crowd-pleasing side dish, it can be served straight from the stove or baked for a golden, bubbly finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water and cooking the elbow macaroni until just al dente, usually 6 to 7 minutes. Drain and set aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.
  2. Make the Roux: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, whisking constantly until it’s bubbly and golden, forming a roux that will thicken the sauce beautifully.
  3. Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, usually about 5 minutes.
  4. Incorporate the Cheese: Remove from heat and slowly mix in shredded sharp cheddar cheese and any other desired cheese, stirring until smooth and melted. Add salt, pepper, and optional mustard powder to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece with that creamy, cheesy goodness.
  6. Optional Baking Step: Serve immediately or transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly on top.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and richer flavor.
  • Slightly undercook pasta to ensure it holds up after mixing or baking.
  • Stir constantly when making the roux and when adding milk to prevent lumps.
  • Add cheese off the heat to avoid grainy texture or separation.
  • Toast breadcrumbs with butter to create a flavorful crunchy topping when baking.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/homemade-mac-and-cheese/