Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe

This article provides a complete guide to making easy homemade mac and cheese that beats boxed versions every time. It covers two main cooking methods: stovetop for quick 15-25 minute meals and baked for 30-60 minute richer results. The recipe uses simple pantry ingredients like pasta, sharp cheddar, butter, flour, and milk. Key tips for the creamiest cheese sauce include shredding cheese from blocks instead of buying pre-shredded, making a proper roux, adding milk slowly, removing sauce from heat before adding cheese, and seasoning with dry mustard for depth. Whether you need a fast weeknight dinner or a comforting baked dish for family gatherings, this guide helps you achieve velvety homemade mac and cheese at home.

Make this easy homemade mac and cheese recipe in minutes.

This easy homemade mac and cheese recipe beats the box every time.

You get creamy cheesy pasta with simple ingredients.

It is true comfort food.

You can make it fast for a weeknight dinner.

There are two main ways to make it.

Choose the method that fits your time.

Stovetop Mac and Cheese

The stovetop method is the quickest.

It takes only 15 to 25 minutes start to finish.

You cook pasta first.

While pasta cooks you make the cheese sauce.

Combine them and serve immediately.

It is perfect for a fast meal.

Some quick mac and cheese recipes are even one-pot meals.

Baked Mac and Cheese

The baked method takes a little longer.

Expect 30 to 60 minutes total time.

This version is extra rich and creamy.

You make the sauce on the stove.

Then combine sauce and pasta in a baking dish.

Top with more cheese or breadcrumbs.

Bake until bubbly and golden brown.

This easy baked mac and cheese recipe is a classic for family dinners.

The ingredient list is short and simple.

• Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditional. Shells or cavatappi also work well.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor.
• Dairy: Whole milk makes the creamiest sauce.
• Roux: Butter and all-purpose flour thicken the sauce.
• Seasoning: Salt pepper and dry mustard add depth.

Making it from scratch is worth the effort.

The flavor is far superior to processed versions.

You control the salt and cheese levels.

The velvety texture is undeniable.

This mac and cheese recipe is easy and delicious.

Gather your simple mac and cheese ingredients.

You only need basic pantry and fridge items to make homemade mac and cheese.

Most ingredients are already in your kitchen.

Here is what you need.

The Core Ingredients

Cheese Options

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice.

Mixing cheeses creates better flavor and texture.

Try these combinations:

• Sharp cheddar + Gruyere
• Sharp cheddar + Monterey Jack
• Cheddar + Fontina + Parmesan
• Cheddar + Mozzarella + Asiago

Always shred cheese fresh from the block.

Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents.

These can make your sauce grainy.

Take the extra few minutes to grate your own.

Simple 3-Ingredient Version

You can make mac and cheese with just three items.

Use pasta, cheese, and evaporated milk.

This 7 cheese mac and cheese recipe shows how to build on the basics.

Add salt and you are done.

It cooks right in one pot.

This method is the fastest way to homemade mac and cheese.

You do not need a roux.

The starch from pasta helps thicken the sauce.

Choose between stovetop or baked mac and cheese.

Your choice depends on time and desired texture.

Both methods start with similar ingredients.

The main difference is the final step.

Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Stovetop mac and cheese is the fastest option.

It is ready in 15 to 25 minutes.

You cook the pasta completely.

You make a cheese sauce in a separate pan.

Combine the cooked pasta and sauce.

Serve immediately.

The result is a very creamy smooth sauce.

It is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Some easy mac and cheese recipes are made entirely in one pot on the stove.

Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked mac and cheese offers a richer flavor.

It takes 30 to 60 minutes.

You start by undercooking the pasta slightly.

It will finish cooking in the oven.

This prevents mushy noodles.

Make the cheese sauce on the stovetop.

Combine sauce and pasta.

Pour into a baking dish.

Top with more cheese or a breadcrumb topping.

Bake until bubbly and golden brown.

This method creates a gooey interior with a slightly crisp top.

Follow tips for the creamiest cheese sauce.

You need a smooth velvety sauce for the best easy mac and cheese recipe.

Follow these key tips for the creamiest cheese sauce every time.

The number one rule is to shred your own cheese.

Buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself.

Pre-shredded cheese contains starches and anti-caking agents.

These prevent the cheese from melting smoothly.

This often results in a grainy or lumpy sauce.

Start your sauce with a proper roux.

A roux is a mix of equal parts melted butter and flour.

Cook the roux for at least one minute while whisking.

This cooks off the raw flour taste.

Use whole milk for the richest flavor and texture.

Pour the milk into the roux very slowly.

Whisk constantly as you add the milk to prevent lumps.

Once the milk is incorporated heat until it thickens.

Then remove the saucepan from the heat.

This is a critical step.

Adding cheese to a boiling sauce can make it oily or separate.

Add the shredded cheese in small handfuls.

Stir until each addition is fully melted before adding more.

This ensures a smooth velvety consistency.

Finally season your sauce well.

Dry mustard powder enhances the cheesy flavor without tasting like mustard.

• Shred cheese from a block.
• Use whole milk or half-and-half.
• Add milk slowly to the roux.
• Remove sauce from heat before adding cheese.
• Stir in cheese gradually.
• Season with salt pepper and dry mustard.

These steps are essential for the best easy mac and cheese recipe experience.