Bubbling cheese, buttery noodles, and that unmistakable smell of comfort wafting from the ovenit’s the kind of moment that slows everyone down. Homemade Mac and Cheese is having a major comeback, thanks to TikTok food spirals and our craving for soul-hugging food. It’s old-school comfort with viral charm.
This dish is rich, creamy, and packed with sharp cheddar and whole milkstuff you’ve probably got sitting in your fridge right now. It’s like your grandma’s old-fashioned mac and cheese, but with an easy twist that works on even your busiest weeknight. Full details in the blog!
We tested this one on a rainy Sunday with three different cheese blends and a toddler yelling about dinosaurs in the backgrounda real home kitchen moment. It’s reliable, nostalgic, and totally doable. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
This Homemade Mac and Cheese is a creamy and cheesy comfort food that’s simple to prepare. It blends the charm of Old-fashioned Mac and Cheese with an easy Basic Mac N Cheese Recipe anyone can enjoy. Perfect as a main or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
16 ounces short pasta shapes such as elbow macaroni or shells
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded about 2 cups divided
8 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese shredded about 2 cups divided
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk low fat or whole
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Butter or spray a 9×13 inch baking dish and set your oven to 375°F.
Boil salted water and cook pasta until just tender according to the package, then drain and return to the pot.
Mix together the two shredded cheeses in a bowl.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook until it turns lightly golden, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Slowly add milk while whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, approximately 5 minutes.
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, then stir in half the cheese until it melts.
Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta.
Spread half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish, sprinkle one third of the remaining cheese on top, then layer with the rest of the pasta and top with the rest of the cheese.
Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the dish is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted.
Notes
You can prepare the macaroni and cheese up to one day before baking
Keep it covered and refrigerated, then allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking
Add roughly 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baked
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Calories:435kcal
Sugar:4g
Sodium:435mg
Fat:22g
Saturated Fat:13g
Unsaturated Fat:1g + 5g
Carbohydrates:40g
Fiber:2g
Protein:18g
Cholesterol:63mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If we’re being honest, nothing beats the comforting hug of a bowl of homemade mac and cheese. This dish is unapologetically cheesy, beautifully creamy, and infused with just the right touch of paprika and garlic for warmth. No wonder it’s a family classic that never goes out of style!
Got leftovers? This recipe stores beautifully and reheats like a dream. Simply put, it’s everything cozy food should be.
Key Ingredients & Tools
This homemade mac and cheese isn’t fussy about gadgets or fancy ingredients. Here’s the lineup:
Pasta: Short shapes like elbow macaroni or shells work best. They hold all that glorious sauce without breaking apart.
Two Cheeses: A mix of sharp cheddar and sharp white cheddar gives the perfect balance of creamy and tangy. Use freshly shredded cheese for ultimate meltability.
Milk: Low-fat or whole milk both work. Whole milk will give you a richer sauce.
Butter, Flour, and Seasonings: These pantry staples create that smooth, thick cheese sauce. Paprika and garlic powder add depth without overpowering.
Tools to Have: A medium saucepan, a large pot for boiling pasta, a whisk (key for smooth sauce), and a trusty 9×13-inch baking dish for a beautifully baked finish.
Simple Steps to Make It
Creating the cheesiest mac and cheese recipe is easier than you think! Here’s how:
Step
Details
Cook Pasta
Boil salted water, cook your pasta to al dente, and set it aside. Don’t overcookremember it’ll bake later!
Make the Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour until lightly browned, then gradually add milk while whisking. Cook until thickened, then season and stir in half the cheese.
Combine & Layer
Toss cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, layer half in a greased baking dish, add cheese, then repeat with the remaining mixture and top with more cheese.
Bake
Bake uncovered at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden. That top cheese layer… pure magic!
Pro Tips & Variations
Pro Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for the creamiest sauce possibleit melts better and won’t clump.
Customize Your Cheese: Swap some of the cheddar for gruyère or mozzarella if you like a twist.
Make It a Meal: Stir in cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or roasted veggies before baking.
Spice Lovers: Add a pinch of cayenne for heat or a splash of hot sauce for grown-up flavor.
Feeling fancy? Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs tossed in melted butter on top for a crunchy topping.
Serving, Storage & Reheating
This old-fashioned mac and cheese is scrumptious right out of the oven and an absolute winner for leftovers. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Serving: Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced comfort meal. For a potluck, it’s the main dish that vanishes first!
Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm portions in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Or, reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until heated through.
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Just add 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s hot and bubbly.
Expert Says
Homemade mac and cheese achieves its creamy texture through the careful balance of starch from the pasta and melted cheese proteins. Warming the cheese gently prevents separation, ensuring a smooth sauce. Using real cheese also boosts calcium and protein content, making this comfort dish more satisfying and nutrient-dense than processed alternatives.
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Mastering the Art of Homemade Mac and Cheese
It took several attempts to get the balance just right in this homemade mac and cheese. At first, I either overcooked the pasta or made the sauce too thick, but each mistake taught me a valuable lesson. Now, this recipe is the creamy, comforting dish my family actually asks for on busy weeknights.
FAQs ( Homemade Mac and Cheese )
How do I make this mac and cheese creamier?
To get a creamy texture, use a combination of milk and heavy cream for the cheese sauce. Stir the sauce gently on low heat to avoid curdling and add shredded cheese gradually for smooth melting. You can also finish with a small pat of butter for silkiness before mixing with cooked pasta.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish stores well and can be made a day in advance. Prepare the cheese sauce and pasta separately, then combine before baking. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then bake at 350°F until heated through and bubbly, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
What cheese is best for the best mac n cheese recipe?
A blend of sharp cheddar and mild cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella offers great melt and flavor balance. Using freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded ensures a creamier sauce without additives that affect texture.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the pasta until just al dente and drain well. Avoid overcooking since it will continue softening in the sauce and oven. Toss pasta immediately with the cheese sauce to coat and prevent sticking, then bake without adding extra liquid.
Can I add other ingredients to this meal?
Yes, you can customize this dish by adding cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or steamed vegetables like broccoli. Add these extras just before baking for even distribution and to keep flavors fresh without altering the creamy texture.
Conclusion
After about 40 minutes from start to finish, you’ll be rewarded with a golden, bubbling dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting. The crispy top folds into that luscious sauce so perfectlyyou’ll love how this Homemade Mac and Cheese brings a little warmth and nostalgia to your table with every bite. It’s the kind of recipe you can count on for satisfying weeknights or sneakily delicious leftovers.
Here’s a little secret I picked up from my aunt’s kitchen: adding a pinch of smoked paprika or swapping in gruyère gives this recipe a subtle twist worth trying. If you’re prepping ahead, assemble it the night before and pop it in the oven just before dinner. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of milk to keep things creamytrust me, it’s a game changer!
Did this recipe bring back any cozy memories of your own family dinners? I’d love to see your cheesy creations or hear about the twists you tried. Don’t forget to save this Best Mac N Cheese Recipe and share it with someone who needs a bit of comfort on their plate. Here’s to many delicious, homey meals ahead!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
