Best Homemade Mac N Cheese Recipes - Ultimate Comfort Food Guide

This article presents five mac and cheese recipes ranging from classic baked versions to quick microwave options. Each recipe includes detailed ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutrition facts, and pro tips. The recipes cater to different needs including gourmet dining, healthy eating, and single servings, with variations for hidden vegetables and time-saving methods.

Classic Baked Mac and Cheese with Three Cheeses

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp butter, melted (for topping)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk 1-2 minutes until golden.
• Slowly whisk in milk. Cook 5-7 minutes until thickened, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat. Stir in salt, pepper, nutmeg, and 1.5 cups cheddar, all Gruyère, and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
• Add cooked macaroni to cheese sauce. Mix well.
• Transfer to baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar and Parmesan.
• Mix panko with melted butter. Sprinkle over top.
• Bake 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese in 15 Minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp mustard powder
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup cream cheese

Instructions

• Combine pasta, water, milk, butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder in large pot.
• Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
• Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 8-10 minutes until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
• Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar and cream cheese until melted and smooth.
• Let stand 2-3 minutes to thicken before serving.

Time-Saving Tips

• Use pre-shredded cheese for fastest prep
• Measure all ingredients before starting
• Use pot with wide bottom for faster cooking
• Stir constantly to prevent sticking

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Gourmet Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Herbs

Ingredients

• 1 lb cavatappi or fusilli pasta
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2.5 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups aged white cheddar, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Cook bacon in large oven-safe skillet until crispy. Remove bacon, leaving 1 tbsp fat.
• Melt butter in same skillet. Add flour, whisk 2 minutes until golden.
• Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Cook 5-7 minutes until thickened.
• Stir in mustard, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
• Remove from heat. Add cheeses, half the bacon, and half the herbs. Stir until melted.
• Add pasta. Mix well. Top with remaining bacon.
• Mix panko with melted butter. Sprinkle over top.
• Bake 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
• Garnish with remaining herbs before serving.

Wine Pairing Suggestions

• Chardonnay - buttery notes complement cheese
• Sauvignon Blanc - crisp acidity cuts through richness
• Pinot Noir - light red that won't overpower dish

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Healthy Mac and Cheese with Hidden Veggies

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole wheat elbow macaroni
• 1 cup cauliflower florets
• 1 cup butternut squash, cubed
• 1 cup low-fat milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, reduced-fat
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

Instructions

• Steam cauliflower and butternut squash until very tender, about 8-10 minutes.
• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
• Puree steamed vegetables with milk until completely smooth.
• Heat olive oil in large pot. Add flour, whisk 1 minute.
• Whisk in vegetable puree, broth, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Cook 3-4 minutes until thickened, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, and Greek yogurt until melted.
• Add pasta. Mix well.
• Top with breadcrumbs. Broil 2-3 minutes until golden.

Hidden Veggie Options

• Carrots - add sweetness and orange color
• Yellow squash - mild flavor, creamy texture
• White beans - extra protein and fiber
• Red peppers - vitamin C boost

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Quick Microwave Mac and Cheese for One

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp mustard powder
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp cream cheese

Instructions

• Combine pasta and water in large microwave-safe bowl.
• Microwave on high 2 minutes. Stir. Microwave 2 more minutes.
• Check pasta. If not tender, microwave 30 seconds more.
• Carefully drain excess water (bowl will be hot).
• Add milk, butter, salt, pepper, and mustard powder. Stir.
• Microwave 30 seconds. Stir in cheddar and cream cheese.
• Microwave 20-30 seconds until cheese melts.
• Stir until smooth. Let stand 1 minute before eating.

Mug Mac and Cheese Variations

• Add 1 tbsp salsa for Mexican-style
• Stir in 1 tbsp pesto for Italian flavor
• Add 1 tbsp buffalo sauce for spicy kick
• Mix in 1 tbsp ranch dressing for creamy tang

Microwave Tips

• Use bowl at least 4x larger than pasta volume
• Watch carefully to prevent boil-over
• Stir between cooking intervals
• Let stand to finish cooking

Nutrition Facts (per serving)