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Easy Homemade Mac & Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 106 reviews
  • Author: Ethan
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Easy Homemade Mac & Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, comforting classic made from scratch with simple ingredients. Perfectly cooked macaroni noodles are enveloped in a rich cheddar cheese sauce, thickened with a smooth milk and flour mixture, and finished with butter for extra richness. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a family favorite that’s both straightforward and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz. macaroni noodles (about 1 and 3/4 cups)

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 Tbsp. butter, cut into 8 pieces
  • 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Macaroni: Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and return the noodles to the pot used for cooking.
  2. Prepare Milk Mixture: While the macaroni cooks, combine the milk and flour in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until the flour is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Combine Milk Mixture with Macaroni: Give the milk and flour mixture one more thorough shake, then pour it into the pot with the drained macaroni noodles.
  4. Cook Sauce: Place the pot over medium heat and continuously stir the mixture. Cook until the sauce thickens and just begins to simmer. Remove immediately from heat to prevent curdling.
  5. Add Butter and Cheese: Stir in the butter pieces until melted and fully incorporated. Then gradually add the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use sharp Cheddar cheese for the best flavor and meltability.
  • Stir constantly when cooking the sauce to avoid lumps and prevent scorching.
  • If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach desired consistency.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute some of the milk with half-and-half or cream.
  • Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: homemade mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, quick mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese

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Find it online: https://theethankitchen.com/easy-homemade-mac-and-cheese-recipe/