Make this creamy mac and cheese at home. It beats boxed versions every time. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. This dish serves as a side or main meal. Prep takes 15 minutes. Cooking needs 30 minutes. Total time is 45 minutes. It makes 6 servings.
Ingredients
You need these items:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded medium cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
How to Make Homemade Mac and Cheese
Follow these steps. They lead to a smooth sauce.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the elbow macaroni. Cook it for 7 minutes. It should stay firm. Drain the pasta. Set it aside.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour. Cook for 2 minutes. This makes a roux.
- Pour in the milk slowly. Whisk until smooth. Cook for 5 minutes. The mix will thicken.
- Add salt, black pepper, and dry mustard. Stir well.
- Take the pan off the heat. Add the sharp and medium cheddar cheeses. Stir until they melt. The sauce turns creamy.
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Coat all the pasta.
- Pour the mix into the baking dish. Spread it even.
- Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes. The top turns golden.
Let it cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm.
Tips for Creamy Mac and Cheese
Grate cheese from a block. It melts better. Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.
Use whole milk for richness. Low-fat milk works but gives less cream.
Cook pasta less than done. It softens more in the oven.
Stir cheese on low heat. High heat splits the sauce.
Taste the sauce. Add more salt if needed.
Common Questions
What cheese works best? Sharp cheddar adds flavor. Mix with Gruyere for extra cream.
How do I avoid a grainy sauce? Use fresh cheese. Add it off the heat.
Can I make it without baking? Yes. Stop after step 7. Eat it from the stove.
What goes with mac and cheese? Try grilled chicken or a green salad.
Can I freeze it? Yes. Cool the dish first. Wrap it tight. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes.
How do I store leftovers? Put them in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in the microwave. Add a splash of milk.
Variations
Add cooked bacon bits. Stir them in before baking.
Mix in broccoli florets. Steam them first.
Use different pasta shapes. Try shells or penne.
For spice, add cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Link to a pasta dish like our Authentic Italian Pasta Sauce Recipe for more ideas.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 18g
Values may change based on brands.
