Easy Recipe for Homemade Mac and Cheese - Ready in 20 Minutes

This homemade mac and cheese recipe uses simple pantry staples like elbow pasta, butter, flour, milk, and sharp cheddar cheese. Grate cheese fresh from the block for the creamiest sauce. The stovetop method takes just 20 minutes. Make a roux with butter and flour, whisk in milk, then add cheese off the heat to prevent separation. Customize with proteins like bacon or chicken, vegetables like broccoli or spinach, and different cheese blends for endless variations.

Simple ingredients you need for homemade mac and cheese

This easy recipe for homemade mac and cheese uses pantry staples you likely have on hand.

Core ingredients

• Elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta (1 pound)
• Butter (4 tablespoons)
• All-purpose flour (1/3 cup)
• Whole milk (3 cups)
• Sharp cheddar cheese (16 ounces, freshly grated)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese selection matters

Block cheese beats pre-shredded every time. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grate your own cheese for the creamiest sauce.

Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor punch. Mix cheeses for more complexity. Good melting options include:

• Sharp cheddar - classic choice, bold flavor
• White cheddar - milder, creamy melt
• Fontina - ultra creamy, mild taste
• Gruyère - nutty, sophisticated flavor
• Monterey Jack - smooth melt, subtle taste

Optional flavor boosters

Whole milk creates the richest sauce. 2% milk works but yields less creamy results. Heavy cream makes an ultra-decadent version.

Check out this easy homemade mac and cheese recipe for a simple stovetop version. For a baked variation, try this baked mac and cheese recipe simple approach. The 2 cheese mac and cheese shows how combining cheeses elevates flavor.

Step-by-step stovetop method ready in 20 minutes

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add 1 pound elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Make the roux

Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1/3 cup flour. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden and smells nutty.

Slowly pour in 3 cups whole milk while whisking. Add milk gradually to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

Add cheese and finish

Remove pan from heat. This step prevents cheese from separating. Gradually stir in 16 ounces freshly grated sharp cheddar. Add cheese one handful at a time. Stir until completely melted and smooth.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add ½ teaspoon dry mustard for extra depth if desired.

Quick timeline

Toss cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

For a no-roux version, try this homemade mac and cheese recipe stovetop that skips the flour step entirely. Watch the baked mac and cheese recipe video to see the technique in action. The homemade mac and cheese recipes easy collection offers more quick options.

Tips for the creamiest cheese sauce every time

Grate cheese fresh from the block. Pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose and potato starch that prevent smooth melting. These anti-caking agents create grainy, clumpy sauce.

Temperature control

Remove the pan from heat before adding cheese. High heat causes cheese proteins to tighten and squeeze out fat. The result is greasy, separated sauce.

• Add cheese off heat - prevents separation
• Stir constantly while melting - ensures even texture
• Never boil after cheese is added - breaks emulsion
• Warm milk before adding to roux - reduces cooking time

Common mistakes to avoid

Rescue a broken sauce

Sauce separated and looks greasy? Add a splash of milk and whisk vigorously. The extra liquid helps re-emulsify the fats. Still broken? Blend in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or hot sauce.

For make-ahead tips, see baked mac and cheese recipe make ahead. The easy homemade mac and cheese sauce guide focuses specifically on sauce techniques. Try baked mac and cheese recipe mustard for how dry mustard enhances flavor.

Easy variations and add-ins to customize your dish

Transform basic mac and cheese into a complete meal with simple add-ins. Stir in cooked proteins, vegetables, or spices to create endless variations.

Protein add-ins

• Crispy bacon bits - cook 4-5 slices, crumble and fold in
• Shredded rotisserie chicken - adds hearty protein
• Browned ground beef - creates cheeseburger mac
• Diced ham - pairs perfectly with cheddar
• Cooked sausage - adds spicy kick

Vegetable mix-ins

Add nutrition and color with vegetables. Stir in during the last few minutes of pasta cooking or sauté separately.

Cheese variations

Switch up the cheese blend for totally different flavors. Combine two or three cheeses for best results.

Try 7 cheese macaroni and cheese for the ultimate cheesy experience. The baked mac and cheese recipe bacon adds smoky, savory crunch. For smoky depth, the baked mac and cheese recipe gouda uses melted gouda for rich flavor.

Spice it up

• Cajun seasoning - adds Southern heat
• Buffalo sauce - creates tangy, spicy kick
• Chipotle powder - smoky and mild heat
• Everything bagel seasoning - savory crunch on top