There’s nothing quite like the creamy, gooey comfort of Homemade Mac and Cheese fresh from the stovetop. This recipe takes everything you love about the classic dish and elevates it with a rich, cheesy sauce that coats every bite of tender pasta.
I first discovered the joy of making mac and cheese from scratch during a cozy weekend at home. Armed with just a few pantry staples, I was amazed at how quickly and easily this dish came together—and how much better it tasted than anything from a box. Let’s dive into why this recipe will soon become a family favorite.
Why You'll Love This Homemade Mac And Cheese
Get ready to savor the ultimate comfort food that’s as simple as it is satisfying. This mac and cheese recipe will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.
First off, the rich, velvety cheese sauce is the star of the show. With its blend of sharp cheddar and creamy Gruyère, this dish strikes the perfect balance of bold flavor and smooth texture. You’ll never want to go back to powdered cheese again.
Another reason to love this recipe is how quick it is to prepare. In just under 30 minutes, you can have a piping hot pot of mac and cheese on the table—perfect for those busy weeknights when time is short.
This recipe is also incredibly kid-friendly and versatile. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or experimenting with add-ins like bacon or broccoli, there’s no wrong way to make it your own.
Finally, it’s a budget-friendly option for feeding a crowd. Using basic ingredients you likely already have on hand, you can whip up a hearty, satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Homemade Mac and Cheese lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one is chosen to create the perfect combination of creaminess and flavor.
Pasta: The foundation of any great mac and cheese is the pasta. Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but shells or cavatappi are also excellent options because their nooks and crannies hold onto the cheesy sauce.
Cheese: A mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyère gives this dish its signature taste. The cheddar provides a sharp, tangy flavor, while Gruyère adds a creamy, nutty depth. Be sure to grate the cheese yourself for the best melting results—pre-shredded cheese can sometimes lead to a grainy sauce.
Butter and Flour: This duo forms the roux, the base for the creamy béchamel sauce. The butter lends richness, while the flour thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Milk and Cream: A combination of whole milk and heavy cream creates a luxuriously smooth sauce. For a lighter version, you can use all milk, but the cream gives it that indulgent texture.
Seasonings: A pinch of mustard powder, a dash of paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper elevate the flavors, giving the dish a subtle complexity without overpowering the cheese.
For this recipe, you’ll also need a large pot for cooking the pasta, a saucepan for the sauce, and a whisk to ensure the béchamel stays lump-free.
How To Make This Homemade Mac And Cheese

Making Homemade Mac and Cheese is surprisingly easy, and the results are so worth it. Here’s how to create the ultimate cheesy comfort food step by step.
Start by cooking the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your macaroni until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
While the pasta cooks, make the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken.
Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheeses a handful at a time. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the mustard powder, paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the pasta and cheese sauce. In a large bowl or the pot you used for the pasta, pour the sauce over the cooked pasta, stirring until every piece is coated in creamy goodness. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Your mac and cheese is ready to serve! From start to finish, this dish takes about 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for weeknight dinners or weekend comfort food.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (though it’s rare!), Homemade Mac and Cheese stores beautifully. Let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the mac and cheese in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture. Stir frequently until warmed through.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as mentioned above.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is a blank canvas for creativity! Here are some ideas to customize your mac and cheese to suit your taste:
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon, shredded chicken, or even chunks of lobster for a luxurious twist.
- Vegetarian Twist: Add roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or peas for extra color and nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
- Breadcrumb Topping: For a baked version, transfer the mac and cheese to a casserole dish, top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with other cheeses like Fontina, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
With so many options, this Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe is sure to please everyone. Have fun experimenting and making it your own!
PrintHomemade Mac And Cheese Recipe
Make the best homemade mac and cheese with this creamy, cheesy recipe! Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this classic comfort food features gooey cheese, tender pasta, and a rich, flavorful sauce that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baked (optional)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
- Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- (Optional) Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
- Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- (Optional) Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add ¼ cup cream cheese to the sauce.
- Feel free to use other cheese varieties like Gouda or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor.
- To make it a full meal, mix in cooked bacon bits or steamed broccoli.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
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