Description

A creamy, cheesy, and comforting Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe that’s simple to make and perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, or whenever you crave rich, comforting food. Featuring a smooth cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and optional cheeses like Gruyere or mozzarella, this classic dish offers customizable flavors and can be baked for a golden, crispy topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

2 cups elbow macaroni

Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
2 1/2 cups whole milk (warm)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Gruyere or mozzarella cheese (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon mustard powder or 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Topping (optional)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Additional shredded cheese for topping

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Start by boiling elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. The pasta should bounce back slightly when bitten. Drain and set aside.
Make the roux: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and turns lightly golden, removing the raw flour taste.
Prepare the cheese sauce: Slowly pour in warm milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon. Reduce heat and stir in shredded cheddar and any additional cheeses until silky smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional mustard powder or Dijon mustard.
Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and fold gently to coat every piece evenly.
Optional baking step: Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and extra cheese on top, then broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting quality.
Do not overcook the pasta; slightly undercooked pasta prevents mushiness when baked.
Warm the milk before adding it to help the sauce thicken faster and stay smooth.
Mix different cheeses like sharp cheddar with Gruyere or mozzarella for depth and meltability.
Add a pinch of mustard powder to enhance the cheese flavor without overpowering the dish.
Finish with breadcrumbs for a crispy, irresistible topping.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 400
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: homemade mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, classic mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta