Ahhh Macaroni and Cheese 🧀—pure comfort food. Creamy, rich, and nostalgic. Here’s a classic, super-creamy homemade version (stovetop, with an optional baked finish).
Classic Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Servings: 4–6
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk is best)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp is best)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
- Optional: 1/2 tsp mustard powder
Instructions
- Cook pasta
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour; cook 1–2 minutes (don’t brown).
- Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
- Cook 3–5 minutes, stirring, until thickened.
- Add cheese
- Remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder.
- Combine
- Add macaroni to the sauce and stir until fully coated.
Optional Baked Version
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Transfer mac & cheese to a greased baking dish
- Top with extra cheese or buttered breadcrumbs
- Bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden
🔥 Pro Tips
- Extra creamy: Add 1/4 cup cream cheese or heavy cream
- Cheese combo: Cheddar + mozzarella + Gruyère = next level
- Add-ins: Bacon, ham, jalapeños, or broccoli
- Reheat tip: Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy
If you want, I can give you a Southern baked mac and cheese, 3-ingredient mac, or a no-bake stovetop version.
