Name: Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces short pasta shapes (such as elbow macaroni or shells); 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, about 2 cups, divided); 8 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese (shredded, about 2 cups, divided); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk (low fat or whole); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with nostalgic comfort, Homemade Mac and Cheese is the ultimate answer to both kids’ cravings and adults’ desires for a soul-satisfying meal. There’s just something magical about tender noodles bathed in a velvety cheddar sauce, baked until golden, and bubbling hot. Simple pantry ingredients unite for results far beyond what any boxed mix could dream of—a testament to the wonders of making it from scratch! If you’re looking for that perfect, crowd-pleasing dish you’ll want to keep in regular rotation, this Homemade Mac and Cheese delivers the kind of flavor and coziness meals at home are all about.

Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Honestly, the ingredients for Homemade Mac and Cheese are straightforward, yet each one makes its own indispensable contribution. Think of this roster as the building blocks for oozy, melt-in-your-mouth perfection, from the pasta’s chew to the complexity of the cheeses and the touch of spice.

Pastas: Short pasta shapes like elbows or small shells cling to the sauce beautifully and create the perfect bite.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This brings classic, bold cheddar flavor and that classic golden color—don’t skimp on quality!
White Cheddar Cheese: Adds tang and depth; the combination with yellow cheddar makes your cheese sauce taste gourmet.
Unsalted Butter: The essential foundation for your roux, butter brings richness and helps the sauce come together.
All-Purpose Flour: Vital for thickening the sauce—whisk it well with the butter for the smoothest results.
Milk: Use either low fat or whole milk based on your preference; whole milk makes the creamiest sauce.
Salt: Don’t forget this little workhorse—it ensures all those wonderful flavors really shine through.
Black Pepper: Just a pinch gives the sauce the right kind of warmth and complexity.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note and a hint of gorgeous color on that cheesy crust.
Garlic Powder: Rounds out the dish with gentle savory depth—just enough to make the cheese taste even cheesier.

How to Make Homemade Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Before you dive into cheese heaven, go ahead and fire up your oven to 375° F. Butter or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish—you want those edges to get just a little crispy without sticking!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil a big pot of salted water and cook your chosen pasta until just al dente, following the package directions carefully. Remember, the noodles will bake more in the oven, so don’t overcook. Once done, drain the pasta and pop it right back in the warm pot—it’ll help later when mixing in the sauce.

Step 3: Mix the Cheeses

Combine the shredded sharp cheddar and white cheddar cheeses in a bowl and give them a quick toss. This way, you’ll get a deliciously even melt and all that flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Make the Roux and Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour, letting it cook until just lightly golden—this step ensures your sauce will be silky smooth, not floury. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking all the while, and continue to cook until it thickens (about 5 minutes). Remove from the heat, then add the salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir in half the cheese blend, a handful at a time, until the sauce is creamy and glossy.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Pour your luscious cheese sauce right over the waiting cooked pasta in its pot, then give everything a generous stir until every piece is coated. This is the moment where the transformation starts!

Step 6: Layer and Assemble

Spread half of your mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle with a third of the remaining cheese blend. Layer on the rest of the pasta, and finish with a final blanket of cheese across the top—this is what makes that iconic bubbly, melty crust.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until the top is melted, bubbling, and a little bit golden around the edges. Let the Homemade Mac and Cheese cool just slightly before scooping and serving, so each portion stays creamy and dreamy.

How to Serve Homemade Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped parsley, a twist of freshly ground black pepper, or even a dash of extra paprika brings color and a professional finish to your Homemade Mac and Cheese. For a little crunch, a handful of toasted breadcrumbs scattered over the top just before serving is always a crowd-pleaser.

Side Dishes

Pair your Homemade Mac and Cheese with something crisp and fresh, like a big green salad or steamed broccoli, to balance the richness. Roasted veggies, garlic bread, or even a platter of sliced tomatoes also make great sides for the ultimate comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with presentation! Serve portions in small ramekins or mugs for parties, or stir in mix-ins like crumbled bacon, sautéed spinach, or roasted mushrooms before baking. For a festive twist, use cookie cutters to shape leftover baked squares for a kids’ lunchbox treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow find yourself with leftover Homemade Mac and Cheese, simply let it cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.

Freezing

For longer storage, Homemade Mac and Cheese freezes beautifully—just wrap cooled portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To bring that creamy goodness back, reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350° F, covered with foil to prevent drying out. For a quicker solution, microwave individual servings with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use different cheeses in Homemade Mac and Cheese?

Absolutely! A blend of cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix in mozzarella, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess. Just make sure at least half is sharp cheese for that rich, tangy base.

How can I make this recipe gluten free?

You can substitute gluten-free pasta for the regular noodles, and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the roux. Everything else remains the same and you’ll still have perfectly luscious Homemade Mac and Cheese.

Is it possible to prepare Homemade Mac and Cheese in advance?

Definitely! Assemble everything up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to enjoy, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to heat through.

How do I prevent my cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

To avoid graininess, always use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded (which contains anti-caking agents), and melt it into the sauce off the direct heat, stirring constantly until smooth.

Can I skip the baking step and just eat it stovetop?

Of course! If you’re craving creamy mac and cheese fast, simply stir the cheese sauce into the pasta and serve straight from the pot. Baking creates that melty, golden crust, but the stovetop version is just as delicious and saves you time.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about making Homemade Mac and Cheese from scratch, and it’s surprisingly simple once you give it a go. I can’t wait for you to experience that perfect balance of creamy sauce and cheesy gratin for yourself—serve up a big scoop, gather around the table, and dig in!

Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 17 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy and delicious, this homemade mac and cheese recipe is a family favorite that’s perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Grease Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 375° F.
Cook Pasta: Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions for al dente. Drain and return to pot.
Combine Cheeses: Mix the two cheeses in a bowl.
Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk. Cook until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir in half of the cheese until melted.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Pour cheese sauce over pasta, mix well. Pour half into baking dish, top with ⅓ of remaining cheese. Add remaining pasta, top with remaining cheese.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes at 375° F until bubbly and cheese is melted.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American