Let’s be honest: nothing beats a bowl of rich, creamy mac & cheese made from scratch. Boxed versions might be quick, but when you taste homemade mac with gooey cheese, tender pasta, and a velvety sauce — it’s a game-changer.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, comfort food craving, or the ultimate side dish, this easy recipe has all the cheesy goodness you love, with none of the mystery ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get cooking, here’s what you’ll need to make classic creamy mac & cheese:
For the pasta:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni (or any short pasta you like)
- Salted water for boiling
For the cheese sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
- 1 cup Gruyère or mozzarella (for extra meltiness)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of garlic powder or mustard powder for flavor boost
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by cooking the macaroni until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than the package says).
- Add a generous pinch of salt to your boiling water.
- Drain and set aside — don’t overcook it, since it will continue cooking in the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Roux
This is the base for your cheese sauce — and where the creaminess begins.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate that raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Stir in the heavy cream and keep whisking until the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Once the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, it’s time for the magic.
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the cheddar and Gruyère, one handful at a time, until fully melted.
- Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and optional spices like mustard powder or garlic powder to enhance flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Bake (Optional)
Now you have a choice: serve it as is for a stovetop-style creamy mac, or bake it for a crispy golden top.
- Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce in a large pot or baking dish.
- For baked mac & cheese:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sprinkle extra shredded cheese or breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Tips for the Creamiest Mac & Cheese
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
- Warm milk helps the roux combine smoothly without clumps.
- Don’t let the sauce boil after adding cheese — it can separate.
- Want more richness? Add a spoonful of cream cheese or a splash of evaporated milk.
Final Thoughts
Creamy mac & cheese from scratch is easier than you think — and so much more satisfying. Once you master the roux and cheese blend, you can customize it with add-ins like crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or even hot sauce for a kick.
🧀 Save this recipe for your next comfort food night!
And don’t forget to share your favorite cheesy combos in the comments.
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