The Best Homemade Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade macaroni and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting—perfect for cozy nights or feeding a hungry crowd.
- Rich and creamy sauce—no dry or clumpy cheese here, just smooth, velvety goodness.
- Easy to customize—add bacon, veggies, or extra spices to make it your own.
- Kid-approved—even picky eaters will ask for seconds!
Recipe
Intro
This classic homemade macaroni and cheese recipe is creamy, cheesy, and perfect for a comforting meal. Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
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
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and paprika to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream.
- For a crispy topping, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and broil for 2-3 minutes.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Colander
Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cuisine
American
Serving
4 servings
Nutrition
Homemade macaroni and cheese provides essential nutrients in a delicious meal. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Protein | 15 g |
What To Serve With It
Wondering what to pair with your creamy homemade mac and cheese? I love keeping it classic with crispy garlic bread or roasted veggies for a comforting meal, but a fresh salad with tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Let’s explore some easy, tasty sides that’ll make your dish shine!
Classic Side Dishes
There’s nothing quite like a creamy bowl of mac and cheese, but sometimes I like to round out the meal with a few classic sides that balance its richness. Garlic bread is a go-to for me; its crisp crust and buttery flavor pair perfectly. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, add a fresh, earthy contrast. For something hearty, I’ll serve baked beans or coleslaw—they bring a nice mix of sweet and tangy. And don’t forget cornbread! Its slight sweetness and crumbly texture make it a comforting addition. These sides keep the meal satisfying without overpowering the star of the show.
Fresh Salad Ideas
When I’m serving homemade mac and cheese, I always like to add a fresh salad to lighten things up. A simple green salad with crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber is my go-to—it’s quick and invigorating. Sometimes, I’ll toss in some shredded carrots or radishes for extra crunch. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll make a Caesar salad with homemade croutons, or a spinach salad with strawberries and almonds. A tangy vinaigrette or creamy ranch dressing pairs perfectly. The cool, crisp veggies balance the rich, cheesy pasta, making the meal feel just right.
