Table of Contents
This guide delivers the best easy mac and cheese recipe with creamy ingredients like fresh shredded cheddar Gruyere and Parmesan stovetop steps in 20 mins baked version with crunchy top pro chef tips to fix grainy sauce or mushy pasta plus tasty variations like lobster or taco style and perfect pairings.
Question | Answer |
|---|---|
What makes the best easy mac and cheese recipe creamy? | Fresh shredded cheeses like sharp cheddar Gruyere and Parmesan mixed into a roux of butter flour milk and broth create ultimate creaminess. |
How long does stovetop mac and cheese take? | The stovetop best easy mac and cheese recipe takes 20 minutes and serves 4-6 people. |
How to avoid grainy sauce in mac and cheese? | Shred cheese fresh add it on low heat and stir slowly to prevent grainy sauce. |
Can you bake the easy mac and cheese recipe? | Bake the stovetop base at 375F for 20-25 mins topped with panko breadcrumbs and butter for a golden crunchy top. |
How to store leftovers from the recipe? | Store leftovers airtight in the fridge for 4 days and reheat with a splash of milk. |
Discover essential ingredients that make the best easy mac and cheese recipe creamy and flavorful.
Grab these ingredients for the best easy mac and cheese recipe.
They deliver creamy texture and bold flavor.
Core Pasta and Base
- 12 oz elbow macaroni - cook al dente.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter.
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour.
- 2 cups whole milk.
- 1 cup chicken or veg broth.
Cheese Mix for Ultimate Melt
Use fresh shredded cheese.
Avoid pre-shredded stuff.
Cheese | Amount | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
Sharp cheddar | 2 cups | Tangy rich base. |
Gruyere or Swiss | 1 cup | Nutty creaminess. |
Parmesan | 1/2 cup | Umami kick. |
American or Velveeta optional | 1/2 cup | Smooth melt. |
Check our best cheese for mac and cheese for more picks.
Seasonings and Boosters
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
- 1 tsp mustard powder or dash hot sauce.
- Pinch nutmeg or garlic powder optional.
Optional Toppings
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tbsp butter.
- Bacon bits or herbs.
These keep your best easy mac and cheese recipe simple yet pro level.
Follow step-by-step instructions for quick stovetop mac and cheese ready in minutes.
Make the best easy mac and cheese recipe on stovetop in 20 mins.
Serves 4-6.
Ingredients Recap
- 12 oz elbow macaroni.
- 4 tbsp butter.
- 4 tbsp flour.
- 2 cups whole milk.
- 1 cup broth.
- 2 cups sharp cheddar shredded.
- 1 cup Gruyere shredded.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan grated.
- 1 tsp mustard powder.
- Salt pepper.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Boil salted water. Add macaroni. Cook al dente - 1 min less than box. Drain. Set aside.
- Melt 4 tbsp butter in pot over med heat.
- Whisk in 4 tbsp flour. Cook 1-2 mins til golden. Stir constant.
- Slow whisk 2 cups milk + 1 cup broth. Simmer 3-5 mins til thick coats spoon.
- Low heat. Add cheeses bit by bit. Stir til melted smooth. Add mustard powder. Salt pepper.
- Fold in pasta. Heat thru 1 min. Serve hot.
Pro tip: Save pasta water to thin sauce if needed.
Link to our best mac and cheese recipe for tweaks.
Learn the baked version for a golden crunchy top on your easy mac and cheese.
Turn your best easy mac and cheese recipe into baked glory with crispy top.
Prep from stovetop base. Serves 4-6. Total time 40 mins.
Extra Ingredients for Bake
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs.
- 2 tbsp melted butter.
- 1/4 cup extra Parmesan optional.
Baking Steps
- Make stovetop mac and cheese thru step 5. Keep warm.
- Preheat oven 375F.
- Grease 9x13 dish. Pour in mac mixture.
- Mix breadcrumbs + melted butter + Parmesan. Sprinkle top.
- Bake 20-25 mins til bubbly golden.
- Broil 1-2 mins for extra crunch. Watch close.
- Rest 5 mins. Serve.
Cover foil first 15 mins if top dries.
See our best baked mac and cheese recipe for more.
Apply pro chef tips to avoid mistakes and perfect your best easy mac and cheese recipe.
Chefs share tips to nail your best easy mac and cheese recipe every time.
Cheese Mastery
- Mix 3+ cheeses like cheddar Gruyere Parmesan for flavor depth.
- Shred fresh. Skip pre-shredded - they make grainy sauce.
- Add cheese low heat or off heat. Stir slow to melt smooth.
Sauce Secrets
- Cook roux 1-2 mins til golden. Kills flour taste.
- Use pasta water to thin if thick. Starch binds it.
- Add mustard powder or hot sauce dash. Boosts cheesiness.
Pasta Pro Moves
- Cook al dente - 1 min less. It absorbs sauce later.
- Save 1 cup pasta water before drain.
Common Mistakes Fix
Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
Grainy sauce | Fresh shred low heat |
Too thin | Longer roux simmer |
Mushy pasta | Al dente undercook |
Dry bake | Foil first add milk |
Bland | Sharp cheese seasonings |
Test taste sauce before pasta mix.
Explore tasty variations and pairings for your easy mac and cheese dish.
Upgrade your best easy mac and cheese recipe with these twists.
Protein Boosts
- Brown Italian sausage mix in sauce.
- Add crispy bacon jalapeños for spice.
- Stir cooked lobster Old Bay for luxe. See best lobster mac and cheese recipe.
Healthy Veggie Swaps
- Blend roasted butternut squash in sauce dairy free.
- Use chickpea pasta whole wheat for fiber.
- Swap some cheese Greek yogurt lighter tang.
Global Flavors
- Taco style ground beef salsa tortilla chips top.
- Jerk seasoning Caribbean kick candied yams side.
Perfect Pairings
Category | Ideas |
|---|---|
Proteins | Fried chicken BBQ ribs grilled steak |
Veggies | Roasted broccoli collard greens salad |
Bread | Garlic bread cornbread rolls |
Wine | Chardonnay Pinot Noir |
Store leftovers airtight 4 days fridge reheat milk splash.