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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.
Prepare Flour Mixture: In a small bowl, combine flour, sea salt, and garlic powder. Mix well and set aside.
Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter until fully liquefied.
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.
Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to ensure a smooth sauce without lumps.
Add Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt and continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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.
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.
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.
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