Easy Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe - Simple & Delicious

This easy creamy mac and cheese recipe uses simple pantry staples like pasta, cheese, butter, flour, and milk. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for quick meals. Learn how to make it step-by-step, get tips for perfect texture, avoid common mistakes, and try fun variations with meats, cheeses, or mix-ins. Whether baked, stovetop, or made in a crockpot, this dish satisfies every time.

Easy Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe

This creamy mac and cheese recipe is simple, fast, and uses basic pantry items.

• Prep time: 10 mins
• Cook time: 20 mins
• Serves: 4

What You Need

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar works best)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It

• Boil the pasta. Drain and set aside.
• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
• Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until smooth.
• Bring to a simmer, then stir in cheese until melted.
• Add salt and pepper.
• Mix cheese sauce with cooked pasta.

Serve hot. Enjoy!

Simple Ingredients for Rich Flavor

You don't need fancy items to make rich, creamy mac and cheese. Use these basics for maximum flavor.

Core Ingredients

• Pasta: Elbow macaroni or any short pasta works
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar is best, but mix in mozzarella or gouda for extra creaminess
• Butter: Adds richness and helps build the cheese sauce
• Milk: Whole milk gives creamier texture, but 2% works fine
• Flour: Thickens the sauce without changing flavor

Optional Add-Ons

Keep it simple or get creative — either way, the flavor stays rich.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Follow this easy process to make creamy mac and cheese every time.

Before You Start

• Grab all ingredients
• Use a large pot for boiling pasta
• Have a medium saucepan ready for cheese sauce

Steps

• Boil pasta: Cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
• Make roux: Melt 2 tbsp butter in saucepan. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour. Cook 1 min.
• Add milk: Pour in 1.5 cups milk slowly. Keep whisking till smooth.
• Simmer sauce: Heat till thickened (3–5 mins). Don’t let it boil.
• Melt cheese: Remove from heat. Stir in 2 cups shredded cheese till smooth.
• Mix together: Combine cheese sauce with cooked pasta.
• Season: Add salt, pepper, or extras like garlic powder.

Pro Tips

• Shred your own cheese for better melt
• Low heat prevents lumpy sauce
• Save some pasta water to fix thick sauce

Done in under 30 mins. Serve warm.

Tips for Best Texture

Get that perfect creamy, smooth texture with these tips.

Key Points

• Use real cheese: Pre-shredded melts poorly. Fresh-shredded works best.
• Low heat: High heat causes cheese to clump or break.
• Thick sauce: Let roux and milk simmer till it coats the back of a spoon.
• Save pasta water: Starchy water helps bind sauce to noodles.

Common Mistakes

For Extra Creaminess

• Add a splash of heavy cream
• Stir in 1 tbsp sour cream at the end
• Mix in a little cream cheese for richness

These steps keep your mac and cheese silky, not sticky.

Variations to Try

Switch up your creamy mac and cheese with these tasty twists.

Meat Add-Ins

• Bacon bits
• Pulled pork
• Grilled chicken
• Hot dogs (classic combo)

Cheese Swaps

• Gouda for smokiness
• Mozzarella for stretch
• Pepper jack for spice
• Blue cheese for bold flavor

Extra Mix-Ins

Cooking Style Changes

• Baked version: Top with breadcrumbs and bake till golden
• Crockpot method: Great for parties or meal prep
• Stovetop classic: Fast and simple

Try one or mix a few. All taste great.