Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This easy homemade mac and cheese recipe is a comforting classic that’s creamy, cheesy, and perfect for any day of the week. Made from simple ingredients, it’s a delicious dish that comes together quickly and delights both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional but recommended)
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Add ¼ teaspoon salt to the boiling water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the flour, sea salt, and garlic powder. Set this mixture aside.
3. Step 3: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
4. Step 4: Add the flour mixture to the melted butter and whisk to combine.
5. Step 5: Cook the mixture for about 1 minute until it turns slightly brown.
6. Step 6: Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth.
7. Step 7: Stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt and whisk until fully incorporated and smooth.
8. Step 8: Cook on medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Be careful not to let it boil.
9. Step 9: Reduce heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Whisk until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
10. Step 10: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the noodles are evenly coated.
11. Step 11: Let the mac and cheese cool for 3 to 5 minutes so the sauce thickens further and clings well to the pasta. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or more sour cream.
• Swap cheddar for a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• For a bit of crunch, top with toasted breadcrumbs and broil for 2–3 minutes before serving.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce and pasta separately and combine them before reheating. This helps maintain a creamy texture when served.

What can I use if I don’t have sour cream or Greek yogurt?

You can substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt with an equal amount of cream cheese or heavy cream to keep the sauce rich and smooth.

Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 77 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe offers a creamy, cheesy twist on the classic comfort food made with a smooth cheese sauce and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. Utilizing simple pantry staples and straightforward stovetop cooking, this dish delivers a rich and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for any weeknight or cozy gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
• ¼ teaspoon salt (for boiling water)

Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional but recommended)
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding ¼ teaspoon salt. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. Prepare Flour Mixture: In a small bowl, combine flour, sea salt, and garlic powder. Mix well and set aside.
3. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter until fully liquefied.
4. Add Flour Mixture: Whisk the flour mixture into the melted butter, stirring constantly to combine and cook for about 1 minute until the mixture turns slightly brown, forming a roux.
5. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to ensure a smooth sauce without lumps.
6. Add Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt and continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Thicken Sauce: Cook the sauce over medium-high heat for about 3-5 minutes, whisking frequently until it thickens and coats the back of a spatula. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
8. Add Cheese: Lower the heat to low and whisk in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained macaroni back into the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Stir well to thoroughly coat the pasta evenly with the cheese sauce.
10. Cool and Serve: Let the mac and cheese rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken further and adhere to the pasta. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy homemade macaroni and cheese.

Notes

• For a tangier flavor, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a mild spicy kick.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense cheese flavor.
• Be careful not to overheat the sauce to avoid curdling the dairy.
• Leftover mac and cheese can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, classic comfort food, cheddar cheese pasta