When comfort food calls, nothing beats the creamy, golden magic of a Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe. This classic is all about tender pasta, a velvety cheese sauce, and a hint of nostalgia in every bite. It’s the ultimate cozy dish to gather friends and family around the table, whether you’re serving it up as a hearty main course or a sidekick to something special. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few easy steps, you can whip up a batch that rivals any restaurant version and customize it exactly to your liking.

Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of a standout Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe is that it doesn’t need a long list of fancy ingredients. Each one here adds something essential, from richness and silkiness to that irresistible cheesy flavor and that signature golden crust on top.

Elbow Macaroni (8 ounces): These small, tubular noodles are perfect for capturing the cheese sauce in every bite, but other short pastas work too.
Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Lays the buttery foundation for your roux, ensuring your cheese sauce turns out smooth and luscious.
All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons): Whisked with butter to thicken the sauce and give it that creamy texture without lumps.
Whole Milk (2 cups): Provides a rich base for your cheese sauce, creating a smooth and silky consistency.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): Adds extra creaminess, making the sauce decadent and ultra-satisfying—feel free to swap in more milk for a lighter version.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2½ cups): The star of the show, bringing bold, tangy flavor and vibrant color to your Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Gives a punch of salty, nutty depth that balances the creaminess of the cheddar.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances every ingredient, making the flavors pop.
Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just a touch of warmth and complexity.
Garlic Powder (¼ teaspoon): Brings a gentle savory note without overpowering the cheese.
Paprika (¼ teaspoon, optional): Offers subtle smokiness and a pop of color—totally optional, but delicious.
Breadcrumbs (½ cup, optional for topping): For those who like a crunchy, golden crust on baked mac and cheese.
Butter (1 tablespoon, for toasting breadcrumbs, optional): Helps crisp up the breadcrumbs for a perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start things off by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add in your elbow macaroni and cook it just until al dente, following the package directions. Since the pasta will soak up a little more sauce later, you don’t want it too soft. Drain the noodles and set them aside for now.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In the same pot (no need to dirty another dish!), melt your butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it constantly for about 1 to 2 minutes, until it bubbles and looks just slightly golden. This roux is the secret behind a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking as you go. Keep stirring until the mixture is absolutely smooth and starts to thicken up—it’ll take around 3 to 4 minutes. Patience is key here, as this base ensures every bite of your Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe is creamy and luscious.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Lower the heat and add in all your shredded sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Stir everything until the cheese melts completely and you’re left with a rich, glossy sauce. It should be thick but still pourable at this point. Season it with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if you’re feeling a little daring.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Fold the cooked macaroni gently into the cheese sauce, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. Take a moment to admire that perfect marriage of sauce and pasta—if you like, you can eat it straight from the pot (no judgment here).

Step 6: Topping and Baking (Optional)

If you crave a baked Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe, now’s your chance to add those golden breadcrumbs. Melt a tablespoon of butter in a small skillet and toast your breadcrumbs until they’re lightly golden. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over top, and bake at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes until bubbling and browned. The result? Crunchy on top, creamy underneath—the best of both worlds.

How to Serve Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

Dress up each serving of Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, a dash of paprika, or even a little extra Parmesan right before serving. These finishing touches add a hit of freshness and eye-popping color.

Side Dishes

This creamy classic pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. If you’re serving as a side, consider grilled chicken, barbecue, or roasted sausage for a satisfying, complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning your Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe into individual ramekins for dinner parties or potlucks. Mini cast iron skillets look stunning and keep the mac hot and bubbly. You can even serve it family-style in a big casserole dish for that homey comfort food vibe everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and creamy for up to 4 days, making it an easy choice for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Prepare the mac and cheese, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. For best results, freeze before baking if you plan to add the breadcrumb topping. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that creamy goodness, reheat your mac and cheese gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce as needed. For baked leftovers, a quick stint in the oven brings back that irresistible crust.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, shells, rotini, or penne all work wonderfully in a Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe. The goal is to use a pasta shape that captures plenty of sauce.

What cheeses melt best for this dish?

Sharp cheddar brings big flavor and smooth texture, but you can mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for extra creaminess or a unique flavor twist in your Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

For a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for more whole milk, reduce the amount of cheese, and skip the buttery breadcrumb topping. It’ll still be delicious and satisfying!

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Be sure to check labels on cheese and other ingredients to ensure everything is gluten-free.

Can I add protein or veggies to the recipe?

Definitely. Stir in cooked bacon, diced ham, rotisserie chicken, or steamed veggies like broccoli or peas before baking to make your Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe even heartier and more colorful.

Final Thoughts

If you crave comfort and crave flavor, this Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen repertoire. It’s simple, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser—don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it on repeat. Go ahead, gather your loved ones, and create those warm, melty memories together!

Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe that’s the epitome of comfort food. With a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, this dish is a classic favorite for all occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Mac and Cheese:

8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)

For Topping (Optional):

½ cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon butter (for toasting breadcrumbs)

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Instructions

Cook Macaroni: Boil salted water and cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Stir in cheeses until smooth. Add seasonings.
Combine and Bake: Stir cooked macaroni into sauce. Optionally, transfer to a baking dish, top with toasted breadcrumbs, and bake until bubbly and golden.

Notes

Experiment with different cheese combinations for varied flavors.
For a lighter version, use whole milk instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese amount.
This dish works well as a main course or a side dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course, Side Dish
Method: Stovetop, Baking (optional)
Cuisine: American