Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe (So Creamy!)
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade mac and cheese when you’re craving something warm, comforting, and deliciously cheesy. With tender pasta coated in a rich, silky cheese sauce, this classic comfort food is always a family favourite.
The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated cooking techniques to make creamy homemade macaroni and cheese from scratch. With its ultra-creamy, velvety texture and rich flavor, this quick stove-to-table dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite that you’ll turn to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Quick and easy to make: This easy stovetop mac and cheese comes together in around 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Extra creamy and cheesy: A simple homemade cheese sauce coats every piece of pasta for that irresistible, velvety texture.
- Budget-friendly ingredients: You only need pasta, butter, flour, milk, cheese, and a few basic seasonings.
- Family-friendly comfort food: This creamy macaroni and cheese is a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Easy to customise: Add your favourite cheeses, vegetables, or toppings to make this homemade mac and cheese your own.
Ingredients Needed
- 3 cups pasta
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1.5 cups marble cheese
- 0.75 cup cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder and paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt and pepper
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- Can of evaporated milk
- 1.5 cups heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
How to Make this Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Preheat oven to 350.
Separately, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta noodles.
While water boils, shred the cheese. Next, make the seasoning in a small bowl by mixing garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Set aside for the time being.
Melt butter over medium to high heat. Once melted, add half the seasoning mix to the pot. Stir, bringing out the scent.
Add flour, stirring constantly.
Slowly add in evaporated milk and heavy cream, whisking to avoid clumps. Whisk in the Dijon mustard and remaining seasoning.
Let sauce come to a simmer and thicken. Remove from heat and add half of the shredded cheese and mix until melted. Add the strained pasta to the sauce and combine.
Grab a casserole dish and layer the pasta and rest of the cheese together.
Bake for 25-30 minutes then broil for 2 minutes.
Making the best homemade mac and cheese is surprisingly simple, but a few little tricks can make all the difference between a smooth, creamy sauce and one that turns out thick or grainy.
How to Make Mac and Cheese Extra Creamy
The secret to really creamy homemade mac and cheese is using the right combination of ingredients and gentle heat.
For the smoothest results, use heavy cream or full-fat milk and grate your own cheese rather than buying pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking ingredients.
Best Cheese for Homemade Mac and Cheese
Cheddar is a classic choice because it provides a rich, familiar flavour. However, combining different cheeses can make your homemade macaroni and cheese even more delicious.
Try these other combinations:
- Cheddar and Gruyère: Perfect for a richer, slightly nutty cheese sauce.
- Cheddar and Monterey Jack: A wonderfully smooth and mild combination.
- Cheddar and Parmesan: Adds extra savoury flavour without overpowering the dish.
Easy Mac and Cheese Variations
One of the best things about homemade mac and cheese is how easily you can adapt it.
Bacon mac and cheese: Stir in crispy cooked bacon pieces for a smoky, savoury twist.
Broccoli mac and cheese: Add small, cooked broccoli florets for extra colour and vegetables.
Spicy mac and cheese: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chopped jalapeños for a little heat.
Why Is My Cheese Sauce Grainy?
A grainy cheese sauce usually happens when the cheese gets too hot or the sauce boils after the cheese has been added.
To avoid this, remove the saucepan from the heat before stirring in the grated cheese. Add it gradually and stir gently until melted.
Deliciously Creamy
Once you’ve tried making this easy mac and cheese recipe, you’ll see just how simple it is to create a deliciously creamy, cheesy meal from scratch.
With basic ingredients, a smooth homemade cheese sauce, and endless ways to customise it, this classic comfort food is perfect for everything from quick weeknight dinners to cozy weekend meals.
Give it a try, experiment with your favourite cheeses, and enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!
Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese (So Creamy!)
Ingredients
- 3 cups pasta
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1.5 cups marble cheese
- 0.75 cup cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder and paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt and pepper
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1.5 cups heavy cream or milk
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta.
- While water boils, shred the cheese and put aside.
- Make seasoning: in a small bowl, add garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Mix, set aside.
- Melt butter over medium high heat. Once melted, add half the seasoning mix. Stir, bringing out the scent.
- Add flour slowly, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add in evaporated milk and heavy cream, whisking to avoid clumps.
- Whisk in the Dijon mustard and remaining seasoning.
- Let sauce come to a simmer and thicken. Remove from heat.
- Add half of the cheese and mix together until melted.
- Add in the strained pasta to the sauce and combine.
- Grab a casserole dish and layer the pasta and rest of the cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes then broil for 2 minutes.
More Delicious Pasta Dishes
If you love quick, comforting pasta dishes, be sure to check out our collection of easy homemade pasta recipes! From rich, creamy sauces to simple sheet-pan bakes, there is a budget-friendly meal here for every night of the week.
- One Pot Cheesy Pasta and Ham
- Baked Rhubarb and Beef Casserole
- Baked Tortellini and Chicken Casserole
- Baked Penne Pasta with Ground Beef
- Non-Creamy Pasta Salad
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