Nothing says comfort food like creamy homemade mac and cheese!
Tender pasta is folded into a rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce that goes from the stovetop to the table in 20 minutes!
This delicious family favorite is the perfect dish for pleasing a crowd on a budget.
Easy Creamy Mac and Cheese
- Creamy mac and cheese is a wholesome family favorite dinner.
- It’s easy to put together with ingredients likely on hand.
- Homemade mac and cheese does not contain dyes, additives, or preservatives, unlike packaged brands.
- This recipe allows for so much variation! Mix and match the types of pasta and cheese to create a signature recipe every time you make it!
Ingredients and Variations
Pasta: Choose your pasta in this recipe! Look for bite-sized shapes the sauce will cling to like macaroni, shells, cavatappi, rotini, and mini penne are great options.
Sauce: Butter, flour, and milk create the base roux for the cheese to melt into. Light or non-fat milk works, but makes a thinner sauce and heavy whipping cream will make the sauce extra rich and velvety. The closest non-dairy alternative to milk for creaminess is oat milk which can be used if desired.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is the best choice for maximum flavor, but feel free to mix and match other varieties like a Mexican cheese blend, Colby Jack, smoked white cheddar, and even Swiss or Gruyere. Stir in a bit of Velveeta for an even more creamy texture.
Seasonings: Amp up the flavor of homemade mac and cheese by stirring in some DIY taco seasoning or a savory Italian blend.
Add-Ins: Homemade mac and cheese is perfect for add-ins like mixed veggies, bacon bits, diced ham, crumbled chorizo, or sliced summer sausage.
Variations: Turn your creamy mac and cheese into a casserole with a crispy baked topping!
- Pour prepared mac and cheese into a casserole dish and make a topping by combining:
- ¾ cup bread crumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers)
- 3 Tablespoons melted butter
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- Spread topping over the top of the mac and cheese and pop it under the broiler so the top gets nice and crispy!
How to Make Creamy Mac and Cheese
Ready in 20 minutes, creamy mac and cheese will be a family favorite!
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Make roux with butter and flour, as directed in the recipe below.
- Whisk in milk and cheese in stages until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in pasta and serve.
Leftovers
- Keep leftover creamy mac and cheese in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat portions on the stovetop or in the microwave and stir in a little milk to loosen the sauce.
- Mac and cheese won’t thaw out as firm as fresh so we don’t recommend freezing. This recipe is so quick and easy, simply make a new batch!
Other Cheesy Favorites to Try
Did you try this Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe? Leave a comment and rating below!
Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound macaroni pasta or preferred pasta (16 ounces)
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 3 cups cheese cheddar, sharp cheddar
- salt and pepper optional, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, boil water and cook pasta according to package directions.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, mix in to butter and cook for 2 minutes.
- Slowly add milk a little at a time, whisking continuously until thick.
- Remove from heat and add one-third of the cheese at a time, whisking until thoroughly mixed each time.
- Fold in pasta and serve.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
©Our Zesty Life. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Like our recipes?
Follow us on Pinterest!
REPIN this Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe!
AMAZING!! I used 16 0z of medium cheddar and 8 oz of Monterey Jack, I also kept about 1/4 cup of pasta water to thin out the mixture as needed (if you need to thin just add a little at a time until desired consistency) and to top it off I added chopped ham. My son just requested that I do straight cheddar next time, I may try a blend of sharp and medium, like I said to my son….we’ll play with it until we get it right! 😁🌻
So happy to hear how much you and your family loves this mac and cheese Cynthia! We make it often ourselves, and try all kinds of cheeses depending on what we have in the refrigerator 🙂
Looks amazing I’ll make for sure looks so easy too
Thank you Irene! It’s easy and delish!! Enjoy!