Few dishes are as comforting and satisfying as a steaming bowl of homemade mac and cheese.
Rich, creamy, and loaded with melty cheddar, this recipe delivers that classic, nostalgic flavor everyone craves — and it’s surprisingly easy to make from scratch!
Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner, a holiday side dish, or just treating yourself, this mac and cheese will quickly become a favorite in your home.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients:
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1 pound elbow macaroni
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4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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2 cups whole milk
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon mustard powder
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make sauces grainy.
👩🍳 How to Make the Best Mac and Cheese
Follow these easy steps for the ultimate creamy dish:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Stir in the flour, mustard powder, and garlic powder.
Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux (this will thicken your sauce).
Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring there are no lumps.
Continue cooking, whisking often, until the mixture thickens slightly.
3. Add the Cheese
Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce.
Stir well to coat every piece of pasta with that rich, cheesy goodness.
5. Optional Crispy Topping
If you prefer a baked version with a golden top:
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Transfer the mac and cheese to a lightly greased baking dish.
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Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs.
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until the topping is golden and crunchy.
6. Serve Warm
Dish it up immediately while it’s hot, creamy, and irresistible!
💬 FAQs About Homemade Mac and Cheese
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely!
Try mixing cheddar with mozzarella, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan for a deeper flavor.
How can I make it even creamier?
Use a mix of milk and heavy cream, or add a few ounces of cream cheese into the sauce for extra richness.
Is it possible to make this ahead?
Yes!
Prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to heat through.
🥘 Final Thoughts
This homemade mac and cheese recipe is everything you want in a comfort food: creamy, cheesy, and completely satisfying.
It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but indulgent enough for a special occasion.
One bite, and you’ll never go back to boxed versions again!
Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, this mac and cheese recipe is rich with a perfectly smooth cheese sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta: Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, mustard powder, and garlic powder, cooking for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
- Add cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and season with salt and pepper. Continue stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until fully combined.
- Optional topping: If you want a crispy topping, transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Serve warm, and enjoy!