Easy Homemade 8 oz Mac and Cheese

Create easy homemade mac and cheese with simple pantry staples.

Gather elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar, whole milk, and butter.

Grate the cheese yourself to ensure a smooth sauce texture.

Boil the noodles until al dente to avoid mushy results.

Whisk butter and flour to form a roux base.

Slowly add milk and simmer until the mixture thickens.

Remove the pan from heat before stirring in the cheese.

Combine the sauce with pasta and serve immediately.

Gather your pasta, milk, cheese, and butter

Start with 8 ounces of dry elbow macaroni. This equals half of a standard 16-ounce box. Elbows hold sauce well due to their shape. Shells or cavatappi work too. Use whatever pasta shape you have in the pantry. Ensure you check the box for the cooking time.

Select 8 ounces of high-quality cheese. Sharp cheddar offers the best flavor punch. Block cheese melts much smoother than pre-shredded bags. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents. These agents prevent melting and make sauce grainy. Buy a block and grate it yourself. You need about 2 cups of cheese once shredded.

Grab whole milk and unsalted butter. Whole milk creates a rich, creamy base. Low-fat milk makes the sauce thin and watery. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt levels precisely. You will need 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 cup of milk for this homemade mac and cheese recipe easy enough for a weeknight.

Essential Measurements

Optional spices include salt, black pepper, and mustard powder. These add depth to the flavor profile. Mustard powder enhances the cheese taste without adding heat. Keep these nearby for seasoning the sauce.

Having everything measured before cooking speeds up the process. This small batch feeds one or two people comfortably. It prevents leftovers from going to waste. Explore more variations with our 6-ingredient mac and cheese guide. For a larger feast, view the best recipe for homemade mac and cheese.

Boil the macaroni noodles until they are tender

Fill a large pot with water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Salt flavors the pasta from the inside out. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.

Pour in the 8 ounces of dry elbow macaroni. Stir the noodles immediately. This prevents them from sticking together. Reduce heat slightly to keep water from boiling over.

Cooking Time Guide

Cook the pasta until it is al dente. The noodles should have a slight firmness in the center. Check the pasta one minute before the package time suggests. Bite into a noodle to test doneness.

Remove the pot from the heat. Drain the macaroni in a colander. Shake the colander well to remove excess water. Do not rinse the pasta with cold water. Rinsing washes away starch. Starch helps the cheese sauce adhere to the noodles.

Transfer the drained pasta back into the warm pot. Set it aside off the heat. This keeps the macaroni warm while you prepare the sauce. Warm pasta melts the cheese better than cold pasta. If you prefer a southern style, check this homemade southern mac and cheese recipe.

• Use plenty of water so noodles move freely.
• Stir occasionally during boiling.
• Keep the pasta slightly undercooked for baking.

Properly cooked noodles are the foundation of a great recipe for homemade mac and cheese easy method. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy when mixed with sauce. For a lighter version, see our 6-ingredient mac and cheese guide.

Whisk together the milk, butter, and flour for sauce

Place a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.

Let the butter melt completely.

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour into the pan.

Whisk the flour and butter together constantly.

Cook for 1 minute.

The mixture will bubble and turn pasty.

This creates a roux base.

Cooking the flour removes the raw taste.

Adding the Liquid

Slowly pour in 1 cup of whole milk.

Whisk vigorously while pouring.

Ensure no lumps form.

Continue whisking until smooth.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Reduce heat to low.

Cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

The sauce will thicken.

It should coat the back of a spoon.

Roux Troubleshooting

Use whole milk for best results.

2% milk works but yields a thinner sauce.

Remove the pan from heat before adding cheese.

This prevents the sauce from separating.

For a richer variation, check this creamy homemade mac and cheese recipe.

You can also substitute milk for evaporated milk using this homemade mac and cheese recipe with evaporated milk.

Constant whisking is key.

It ensures a smooth texture.

Stir the shredded cheese into the hot milk mixture

Remove the saucepan from the heat entirely.

High heat causes the cheese to separate and become oily.

Add the grated sharp cheddar cheese gradually.

Start with a small handful.

Stir constantly until the cheese melts completely.

Add the next handful of cheese.

Repeat this process until all cheese is incorporated.

The residual heat from the roux melts the cheese smoothly.

Stir until the sauce looks glossy and thick.

Best Cheeses for Melting

Season the sauce now.

Add salt, black pepper, and a pinch of mustard powder.

Mustard powder enhances the cheese flavor without adding heat.

Taste the sauce.

Add more salt if needed.

For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper.

Ensure the sauce is smooth before moving on.

Try different cheese blends for unique flavors.

See our 7-cheese macaroni and cheese guide for ideas.

For a classic taste, follow the best recipe for homemade mac and cheese.

Toss the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce

Pour the warm cheese sauce directly over the drained macaroni noodles.

Use a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to fold the pasta.

Stir gently until every noodle is coated in the sauce.

Ensure no dry spots remain at the bottom of the pot.

The residual heat from the pasta helps the sauce adhere.

Continue mixing for about one minute.

The texture should be thick and creamy.

Let the dish rest for two minutes off the heat.

This allows the sauce to set slightly.

Serving Options

Serve the macaroni hot for the best consistency.

Garnish with a sprinkle of black pepper or paprika.

Fresh parsley adds a pop of color.

For a crunchy topping, add buttered breadcrumbs.

If you want a crispy crust, transfer the pasta to a baking dish.

Follow our baked homemade mac and cheese recipe for detailed baking steps.

This small batch is perfect for a quick lunch.

It also serves as a side dish for two people.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Reheat with a splash of milk.
• Avoid overheating to prevent separation.

Master this technique to make the easy homemade mac and cheese recipe your own.