Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe from Allrecipes

This homemade mac and cheese recipe uses simple pantry ingredients like elbow macaroni and sharp Cheddar. Build a silky cheese sauce from a butter-flour roux then bake with buttery breadcrumbs until golden. Customize with different cheeses bacon or vegetables for endless variations.

Gather simple ingredients like elbow macaroni and sharp Cheddar.

This homemade mac and cheese recipe uses pantry staples. Most ingredients you likely have on hand already.

• 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
• ¼ cup salted butter (plus 2 tablespoons for topping)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2½ cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ cup dry bread crumbs
• 1 pinch paprika

Best Cheese Choices

Sharp Cheddar delivers the classic tangy flavor. Parmesan adds depth and saltiness. For variations, try mixing different cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Gouda.

Tips for Success

Use block cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Whole milk creates the richest sauce. Low-fat milk works but yields thinner results.

For the topping, panko bread crumbs give extra crunch. Regular dry bread crumbs work too. See our Ritz cracker topping version for another crispy option.

Store cheese properly in the refrigerator until ready to use. Cold cheese grates more easily and melts better in the sauce.

Make creamy cheese sauce starting with a butter flour roux.

The secret to silky cheese sauce lies in the roux. This butter-flour mixture thickens milk into a rich base.

Step-by-Step Roux Method

• Melt ¼ cup butter in a medium skillet over low heat
• Whisk in 3 tablespoons flour
• Stir constantly 3-5 minutes until paste-like and golden brown
• Gradually whisk in 2½ cups milk
• Bring to a simmer
• Add cheeses and stir until melted
• Season with salt and pepper

Roux Timing Guide

For this recipe, cook to the blond stage. The nutty aroma signals readiness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding milk too fast creates lumps
• High heat burns the roux
• Overcooking after adding cheese causes separation
• Cold milk slows thickening

If sauce seems too thick, add up to ½ cup more milk. The sauce should coat a spoon but still pour easily. For extra richness, substitute half-and-half for some milk.

Remove from heat before adding cheese. High heat makes cheese separate and turn grainy. Stir until just melted and smooth.

Try adding 1 teaspoon dry mustard or a dash of hot sauce to the roux for depth. See our cream cheese variation for an even creamier sauce.

Bake mac and cheese with buttery breadcrumb topping until golden.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish. Cook macaroni 8 minutes until tender yet firm. Drain and transfer to prepared dish.

Make the Breadcrumb Topping

While pasta cooks, prepare the crunchy topping:

• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat
• Add ½ cup dry bread crumbs
• Cook and stir until well coated and browned
• Remove from heat

Panko crumbs create extra crunch. Regular bread crumbs work fine too.

Assembly and Baking

• Pour cheese sauce over macaroni in baking dish
• Stir until well combined
• Spread buttered bread crumbs evenly on top
• Sprinkle with paprika
• Bake 30 minutes until golden and bubbling

Baking Temperature Guide

For a browned top without breadcrumbs, broil 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Check out our make-ahead baked mac and cheese for busy weeknights.

Customize with different cheeses or add bacon for extra flavor.

This basic recipe works as a foundation. Change it up based on what you have or prefer.

Popular Cheese Variations

Try our 5-cheese mac and cheese or go all out with 7-cheese version.

Meat Add-Ins

• Cooked bacon bits - add to sauce or sprinkle on top
• Diced ham - fold in before baking
• Shredded chicken - turns side dish into main meal
• Crumbled sausage - adds hearty flavor
• Shrimp - for special occasions

See our bacon mac and cheese recipe for exact measurements.

Flavor Boosters

• 1 teaspoon dry mustard - adds depth
• Dash of hot sauce - subtle heat
• Garlic powder - savory kick
• Onion powder - mild sweetness
• Paprika or cayenne - warmth

Vegetable Mix-Ins

Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach. Sautéed onions or roasted garlic add sweetness. For a complete meal, try lobster mac and cheese.

Use leftover cheese from holidays or parties. Mix and match whatever needs using up.