If there’s one comfort food with a cult following, it’s Mac and Cheese. Utterly creamy, loaded with bubbling, golden cheddar, and finished in just half an hour, this stovetop classic delivers all the cozy nostalgia you crave. It strikes that delicious balance—simple to make, brimming with rich, melty flavor, and endlessly versatile for weeknights, gatherings, or whenever you need a little indulgence. Let’s dive in and make a bowl of pure joy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Mac and Cheese is how each ingredient shines—nothing extra, just the essentials chosen for peak flavor, luscious texture, and that familiar golden hue. These ingredients work their magic together, creating a dish that’s as satisfyingly simple as it is crave-worthy.

Elbow macaroni (8 ounces): Classic, perfect for catching every bit of creamy sauce. Feel free to use another short pasta if desired.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): The heart of the flavor and the source of all that gorgeous meltiness.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a punchy, salty note to balance the cheddar’s sharpness.
Whole milk (3 cups): Delivers a rich, smooth base—stick to whole milk for ultimate creaminess.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Makes the roux and adds beautiful silkiness to the sauce.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Thickens the sauce, ensuring every bite clings perfectly to the pasta.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Crucial for waking up all the flavors, don’t skip it!
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a hint of warmth without overpowering.
Ground mustard (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A subtle background tang that deepens the cheese flavor.
Paprika (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Brings gentle smokiness and a pop of color to the finished dish.

How to Make Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the macaroni

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Pour in your elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente—this prevents mushiness once it soaks up the creamy cheese sauce. Drain thoroughly and set aside—don’t rinse; you want that pasta starch for extra creaminess.

Step 2: Make the roux

In a large, deep saucepan over medium heat, toss in the butter and let it melt until foamy but not browned. Sprinkle the flour over top, and whisk constantly—a minute is all you need, just until it resembles a golden paste. This simple roux is the start of everything luscious in Mac and Cheese: it’s what thickens your cheese sauce and keeps it velvety smooth.

Step 3: Whisk in the milk

Slowly pour the whole milk into your roux, whisking all the time to prevent any lumps. Patience is key here—take about a minute to drizzle it in, whisk, drizzle, whisk! Continue over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This is when the kitchen really starts to smell like home.

Step 4: Season and melt in the cheese

Lower the heat to its gentlest setting, then stir in the salt, pepper, and, if you like, a dash of ground mustard and paprika. Now for the showstopper moment: sprinkle in your sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring gently until the sauce turns irresistibly creamy, smooth, and gloriously cheesy. Make sure there are no lumps—just melt and bliss.

Step 5: Combine and finish

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until each noodle is lavishly coated. It should be so creamy, you’ll want to scoop it up right out of the pot! Serve it piping hot for the dreamiest texture.

How to Serve Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Take your Mac and Cheese from classic to eye-catching with a few easy toppings. Sprinkle on extra cheddar or Parmesan, scatter some chopped fresh parsley for color, or dust lightly with smoked paprika for smoky flair. If you’re feeling indulgent, crispy bacon bits never disappoint!

Side Dishes

This comfort food star is right at home alongside bright, simple sides. Try a snappy green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness, or serve with steamed broccoli or sautéed greens for a little freshness on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the usual bowl: ladle Mac and Cheese into mini ramekins for individual portions, bake it topped with herby breadcrumb crust, or even serve in edible bread bowls for a fun, crowd-pleasing twist. Kids (and adults) love it dressed up or down!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Mac and Cheese (lucky you!), let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll stay creamy in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for quick lunches or late-night cravings.

Freezing

Mac and Cheese can absolutely be frozen! Scoop cooled portions into sealed containers or freezer bags and stash them away for up to 2 months. For best texture, reheat from frozen rather than thaw first.

Reheating

To revive that creamy, just-made feel, add a splash of milk before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally and heat until hot and silky—a sprinkle of extra cheese on top never hurts!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While the classic uses elbow macaroni, any short, sturdy pasta like shells, fusilli, or cavatappi will soak up the cheese sauce beautifully.

What’s the best cheese for Mac and Cheese?

Sharp cheddar is the gold standard, but feel free to experiment. Fontina, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of cream cheese add distinctive flavors and melt differently for tempting results.

How do I keep the cheese sauce from getting grainy?

Make sure to grate your own cheese (pre-shredded can have anti-caking agents) and melt it over low heat. Adding it in batches and stirring constantly helps keep everything silky smooth.

Can I make this Mac and Cheese gluten free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten free pasta and use a 1:1 gluten free flour blend in the roux. Everything else remains exactly the same.

Is there a way to add protein?

Mix in cooked chicken, ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, or even stir in peas or broccoli for a protein-and-veggie-packed meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a soul-soothing homemade meal, look no further than this Mac and Cheese—wonderfully simple, endlessly adaptable, always a winner. I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of melty cheese, creamy sauce, and hot, fork-twirled comfort with every bite. Give it a try tonight and bring a little extra happiness to your table!

Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 27 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy and indulgent, this stovetop Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food favorite. Made with elbow macaroni and a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Elbow Macaroni:

8 ounces

Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded):

2 cups

Parmesan Cheese (grated):

1/2 cup

Whole Milk:

3 cups

Unsalted Butter:

1/4 cup

All-Purpose Flour:

1/4 cup

Salt:

1/2 teaspoon

Black Pepper:

1/4 teaspoon

Ground Mustard (optional):

1/4 teaspoon

Paprika (optional):

1/4 teaspoon

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Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce heat, add salt, pepper, mustard, and paprika if using. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted.
Combine and Serve: Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Serve warm.

Notes

For a baked version, pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish, top with additional cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American