The Best Simple Mac and Cheese Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This simple mac and cheese recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy comfort food cravings. You’ll love how easy it is to make, with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have.

Creamy and cheesy – every bite is packed with gooey, melty goodness that’s impossible to resist. Quick to prepare – ready in under 30 minutes, so you can satisfy those cravings fast. Kid-approved – even picky eaters will go back for seconds!

Recipe

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food loved by many for its creamy texture and cheesy flavor. This simple recipe is easy to make and requires only a few basic ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted.
5. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and mix well.
6. Serve hot.

Notes:

• For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream.
• Customize with toppings like breadcrumbs or bacon.

Equipment:

• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Colander

Time:

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes

Cuisine: American

Serving: 4

Nutrition

Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes. Below is an approximate breakdown per serving:

Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Sodium

—|—|—|—|—

350 | 12g | 45g | 15g | 600mg

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my mac and cheese with other cheesy side dishes, like garlic bread or cheesy broccoli, to keep the flavors rich and comforting. A crisp salad with fresh veggies can also add a revitalizing contrast to the creamy dish. Finding the right balance between indulgence and freshness makes every bite enjoyable!

Cheesy Side Dishes

When I’m serving mac and cheese, I love pairing it with sides that amp up the cheesy factor without making it feel like too much of the same thing. Cheese dips, like a warm queso or tangy beer cheese, are perfect for dipping veggies or crusty bread. Cheesy casseroles, like broccoli and cheese bake or loaded potato gratin, add variety while keeping the theme cozy. I’ll even throw in some cheesy garlic bread for extra crunch. The key is balancing richness, so no one bites into a meal that’s *all* cheese—unless that’s the goal, and hey, no judgment here!

Crisp Salad Pairings

Though mac and cheese is my ultimate comfort food, I always like to balance its creamy richness with something fresh and crisp on the side. A simple salad with fresh greens, like romaine or spinach, does the trick. I love adding a tangy dressing—maybe lemon vinaigrette or balsamic—to cut through the cheese’s heaviness. Toss in some cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices for extra crunch. It’s light, invigorating, and makes the meal feel complete. Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak in veggies without stealing the spotlight from that gooey, cheesy goodness we all crave.