How to Make Mac and Cheese

Homemade mac and cheese is one of the easiest comfort foods to make from scratch. Using simple pantry staples and refrigerated cheeses, you can make creamy stovetop mac and cheese or baked mac and cheese in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner, prepping a side dish for a holiday meal, or freezing leftovers for later, homemade mac and cheese is easy to customize with different cheeses, proteins, vegetables, and toppings.

Homemade Mac and Cheese From Scratch

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that works as both a main dish and side dish. Using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, refrigerator, or freezer, you can make homemade mac and cheese that’s creamy, rich, and customizable for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners.

Mac and Cheese Ingredients

The main ingredients you’ll need to make mac and cheese are:

• 1 box elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta shape)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole or 2% milk
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend with Gruyère)
• Salt, pepper, and a pinch of mustard powder to taste

Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese Recipe

Using pre-shredded cheese or cheese slices makes prepping mac and cheese easy. Some of our favorites include:

• Sargento
• Borden
• Cache Valley Creamery
• Land O’Lakes
• Velveeta

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

You can customize mac and cheese with ingredients you have on hand. Consider adding:

• Cooked bacon, chicken, or beef for extra protein
• Cream cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess
• Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a baked topping
• Frozen broccoli or peas for added nutrition
• Hot sauce or paprika for a kick of heat

Tips for the Best Homemade Mac and Cheese

Ready to elevate your mac and cheese from “great” to “incredible”? Try these simple tricks.

• Use a Blend of Cheeses Mix your cheddar with cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or Monterey Jack. This will give your cheese sauce a more complex flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta Cook your pasta just until al dente, especially if you’re baking your mac and cheese. Your pasta will continue to cook in the oven.
• Season Your Cheese Sauce In addition to salt and pepper, try adding a pinch of mustard powder, garlic powder, and nutmeg to bring out the flavors of your cheese sauce.

How to Make Homemade Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Tip: Reserve a half cup of pasta water before draining. If your cheese sauce is too thick, stir in some of the pasta water to thin it out.

Step 2: Make a Roux for the Cheese Sauce

In the same pot or another medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly, and cook until the sauce bubbles and thickens (about 3-4 minutes).

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Turn off the heat and whisk in shredded cheese, a handful at a time, until fully melted. Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you’re using.

Step 4: Combine

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.

Tip: You can stop here and serve your creamy stovetop mac and cheese, or follow the next steps for baked mac and cheese.

Step 5: Transfer to a Baking Dish

Pour your mac and cheese into a greased 9×13 baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 6: Top With Cheese or Breadcrumbs

Add extra shredded cheese over the top, if desired. Then, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers mixed with butter over the top of your pasta.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

Step 8: Enjoy

Carefully remove from oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

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