Homemade mac and cheese recipe is a stovetop dinner recipe that makes the best macaroni and cheese! Easy comfort food that can be ready in under 30 minutes!
Homemade mac and cheese was a staple in my house when I was growing up, and now it’s one of my kids’ favorite dinners.
It’s cheesy, creamy, and just total comfort food. I keep everything I need to make macaroni and cheese on-hand because it makes an easy dinner that I can toss together in less than 30 minutes.
How to Make Homemade Mac and Cheese
Homemade mac and cheese starts with equal parts butter and flour that are cooked to form a roux.
Dry mustard, salt, and pepper are then added for flavor.
Whisk in the milk until well combined. Cook, whisking regularly, until the milk mixture has thickened. It should coat the back of a spoon once it’s ready.
Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the cheese a little at a time until it is melted and combined.
Drain the pasta, and return it to the pot. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta, and stir to combine.
Best Pasta for Macaroni and Cheese
Aside from classic elbow macaroni, there are several other pastas that are a good choice for mac and cheese. The best choices are pastas that have shape and/or texture (not spaghetti noodles).
Large shell pasta is one of my favorites because the shape is perfect to catch all the cheese sauce. Rotini, cavatappi, and gemelli are all good choices.
Best Cheese for Homemade Mac and Cheese
I recommend using a block cheese for this recipe. Some shredded cheeses have anti-caking agents that interfere with melting.
Sharp cheddar and white cheddar are both good choices. Both pack a lot of flavor and melt well.
Another option is to combine more than one type of cheese. Fontina, gruyère, and parmesan are all great choices that pair well with other cheese.
More Pasta Recipes!
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Homemade Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 ounces dry elbow macaroni or large shells
- 1⁄4 cup butter
- 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups milk1
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese2 (in small cubes or grated)
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions.
- In medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat; stir in flour, and cook for 3-5 minutes stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Add dry mustard, salt, and pepper; whisk in to combine.
- Slowly whisk in milk, and whisk until well-combined.
- Cook, whisking regularly, until thickened. You don't want mixture to boil.
- Remove from heat, and stir in cheese a little at a time until fully melted and combined.
- Drain macaroni.
- Return macaroni to pot, and pour cheese sauce over the top. Toss to combine.
Notes
- I've used everything from skim to whole milk. The more fat in the milk, the creamier the sauce.
- I suggest using a good-quality block of cheese rather than a shredded cheese. Some shredded cheese have anti-caking agents that can prevent melting.
- Nutrition values are estimates.
Kristy says
Your recipe doesn’t say when to add the dry mustard
Kate says
Thanks! I’ve fixed that.
Chris fisher says
Looks awesome, I will be cooking it tonight for the family
Kate says
Thanks! My family loves this recipe, and I hope yours will, too. =)
viky says
it looks so good
Kate says
Thank you!
Kylee says
OMG!! So much better than the stuff in the box! I will make this again and again.
Kate says
Thank you! I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks for commenting. =)
viky says
it looks good