Description
This Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe is creamy, cheesy, and incredibly comforting 🧀💛. Made from scratch with real cheese and simple ingredients — the perfect family dinner or cozy side dish!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional topping: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened.
- Reduce heat to low and add the cheeses. Stir until melted and creamy.
- Season with garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the sauce with cooked pasta and stir well to coat evenly.
- Optional: Transfer to a baking dish, top with buttered breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy your rich, homemade mac and cheese!
Notes
💡 Tip: For extra flavor, mix cheddar with Gruyère or smoked Gouda. Great as a main dish or side for holidays, BBQs, or weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Comfort Food, Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop or Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, creamy pasta, easy comfort food