Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe with Evaporated Milk

This homemade mac and cheese recipe uses evaporated milk and sharp cheddar for a rich flavor.

Cook elbow macaroni al dente in salted water.

Whisk egg with evaporated milk and spices.

Combine the mixture with hot pasta off the heat.

Melt the cheese thoroughly to coat noodles.

Bake the dish for a crispy crust or serve immediately for a creamy texture.

Gather your ingredients

Dairy Essentials

Evaporated milk is the key ingredient. It creates a rich, creamy base without curdling. It has less water than regular milk. This results in a thicker sauce. Do not substitute with sweetened condensed milk. Use unsalted butter to control sodium levels. Freshly grated cheese melts better. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents. These agents make the sauce grainy.

Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor. For more variety, try a homemade 5 cheese mac and cheese blend. Gruyere adds nuttiness. Mozzarella offers a nice stretch.

Pasta and Seasonings

Use dried elbow macaroni. The shape holds sauce well. High-quality pasta absorbs sauce better. Cook it al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven. Season the pasta water heavily. It flavors the noodles from the inside out.

Dry mustard powder is essential. It enhances the cheese flavor without adding heat. Salt and black pepper are mandatory. Paprika adds a smoky depth. A dash of hot sauce wakes up the palate. This easy homemade mac and cheese sauce relies on simple spices.

Ingredient Checklist

Ensure all ingredients are room temperature. This helps them blend smoothly. Check this simple homemade mac and cheese recipe for variations.

Cook the macaroni

Boil the Water

Use a large stockpot.

Fill with at least 4 quarts of water.

Plenty of water prevents sticking.

Add 1 tablespoon of salt.

Salt seasons the pasta inside.

Bring water to a rolling boil.

Avoid adding olive oil.

Oil coats the pasta and repels sauce.

Cook to Al Dente

Add macaroni to boiling water.

Stir well right away.

Keep water at a steady boil.

Check the package instructions.

Stop cooking 2 minutes early.

Noodles must be firm to the bite.

They will soften in the oven.

Mushy pasta ruins the texture.

This step is vital for homemade mac and cheese recipe easy success.

Drain Properly

Pour pasta into a colander.

Shake out excess water.

Never rinse with cold water.

Starch is needed for the sauce.

Return pasta to the warm pot.

Toss with a knob of butter.

This stops clumping.

Keep warm while making sauce.

Check out this homemade stovetop mac and cheese recipe for similar prep.

Cooking Tips

• Use high heat for boiling.
• Stir occasionally while boiling.
• Taste test for firmness.
• Reserve a cup of pasta water.
• Use water if sauce is too thick.

Make the cheese sauce

Prepare Liquid Base

Whisk one large egg in a bowl.

Pour in the evaporated milk.

Whisk until fully blended.

Add salt, pepper, and dry mustard.

The mustard powder boosts cheese flavor.

Do not skip this step.

This mixture creates the base for a creamy homemade mac and cheese recipe.

Combine and Heat

Place the cooked pasta back in the pot.

Add the butter cubes.

Stir until butter melts.

Pour the egg and milk mixture over pasta.

Stir immediately and constantly.

The residual heat cooks the egg.

It creates a custard-like consistency.

Keep the pot off direct heat.

This prevents the egg from scrambling.

Melt the Cheese

Add shredded cheese gradually.

Reserve a small handful for topping.

Stir until cheese is completely melted.

The sauce should be glossy.

It will coat the noodles evenly.

If the sauce seems too thick, add pasta water.

If too thin, add more cheese.

Sauce consistency is key.

Review this homemade mac and cheese sauce recipe for troubleshooting.

Bake or serve immediately

Baking Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Pour the macaroni mixture into the dish.

Sprinkle reserved cheese over the top.

Add breadcrumbs for a crunchy crust.

Bake for 20 to 30 minutes.

Edges should bubble slightly.

The center will set as it cools.

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes.

This allows the sauce to thicken.

Try this baked homemade mac and cheese recipe for more details.

Stovetop Option

Serve immediately for a creamy texture.

The sauce will be loose and gooey.

This method is faster.

It skips the crispy topping.

Great for weeknight dinners.

Check homemade stovetop mac and cheese recipe for variations.

Topping Variations

• Crushed Ritz crackers add buttery flavor.
• Panko breadcrumbs stay extra crispy.
• Fresh parsley adds color.
• Bacon bits provide a smoky crunch.

Use homemade mac and cheese Ritz crackers topping for best results.

Method Comparison