Macaroni and Cheese Recipe, Comfort Food at Its Best
There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of creamy, macaroni and cheese to
satisfy your hunger and warm your soul. Whether you’re cooking for yourself,
your family, or a crowd, this easy
homemade macaroni and cheese recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
No complicated steps, no fancy ingredients—just rich, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth goodness
that beats the boxed stuff any day. Let’s dive in!
This Macaroni and
Cheese Recipe Works
Ultra-creamy, thanks to a secret ingredient
Perfectly cheesy with a blend of the best melting
cheeses
Easy to customize add bacon, breadcrumbs, or veggies
Ready in under 30 minutes, great for busy weeknights
Ingredients You’ll
Need
Here’s what you need for the best homemade mac and cheese:
8 oz (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni or any short pasta
3 tbsp butter for that rich flavor
3 tbsp all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce
2 cups milk whole milk works best for creaminess
1 cup heavy cream secret ingredient alert
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese sharp cheddar for maximum
flavor)
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Gouda for extra meltiness
½ tsp garlic powder trust me, it’s a game-changer
½ tsp onion powder adds depth
½ tsp mustard powder enhances cheesiness
Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional toppings: breadcrumbs, crispy bacon, hot sauce, or
fresh parsley!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the macaroni and
cook until, Al dente about 8-10 minutes.
Drain but don’t rinse, the starch helps the cheese stick
better
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
In the same pot, melt
butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour
and cook for 1 minute, this makes a roux.
Slowly pour in milk
& heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Keep stirring until the sauce thickens about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and add cheeses, stirring until fully
melted.
Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt,
and pepper.
3. Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well.
Let it sit for 2 minutes, it’ll get even creamier
Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Pro Tips for the Best
Macaroni Cheese
Use freshly shredded cheese, pre-shredded cheese has
anti-caking agents that make the sauce grainy.
Bake it for extra crunch, transfer to a baking dish, top with
breadcrumbs and butter, and broil for 3 minutes.
Spice it up add a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika for a
kick
How do I fix grainy macaroni and cheese
Grainy sauce usually happens if the heat is too high. Always
melt cheese on low heat and stir
constantly.
Final Thoughts
This creamy, dreamy macaroni and cheese is the ultimate
comfort food, easy to make, impossible to resist, and perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re craving a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this
recipe never disappoints.