Simple Macaroni and Cheese Recipe (with Video)

Simple Macaroni and Cheese Recipe (with Video)

Cook Time: 15 minutes

This creamy macaroni and cheese comes together in just 25 minutes using simple, everyday ingredients. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this recipe is easy to follow and delicious every time.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • 1 (8 ounce) box elbow macaroni
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, salt, and pepper, stirring constantly until smooth and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture becomes creamy and starts to bubble gently, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Melt the Cheese
Gradually add the shredded Cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and smooth, about 2-4 minutes. Using freshly grated cheese helps achieve the creamiest texture.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle is coated evenly. Serve immediately while warm.

Optional: Baked Version

If you prefer a golden, bubbly top, transfer the macaroni and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, or crushed crackers, and bake at 350F (177C) for 15 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbling.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight for 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream on the stove or in the microwave.
  • For long-term storage, cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

Creative Add-Ins

Feel free to customize your mac and cheese! Some ideas:

  • Mix in Parmesan, onion powder, or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor.
  • Combine different cheeses, such as white cheddar and Mexican four-cheese blend.
  • Add diced ham, chicken, broccoli, or peas for a hearty meal.
  • Top with crushed crackers or a touch of mustard for a unique twist.

Cook's Notes

  • For a thicker dish, double the amount of macaroni.
  • You can increase the cheese by 1/2 cup for an extra rich sauce.
  • Keep a close eye on the milk while cooking; it can boil over and burn quickly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 630
  • Total Fat: 34g (43% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 21g (105% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 100mg (33% DV)
  • Sodium: 777mg (34% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 55g (20% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% DV)
  • Protein: 27g (53% DV)
  • Calcium: 568mg (44% DV)
  • Iron: 3mg (15% DV)
  • Potassium: 380mg (8% DV)

Simple Macaroni and Cheese Recipe (with Video)

Comments

Paul White

01/10/2024 05:46:54 PM

I followed the recipe almost exactly as written and found it to be incredibly easy to make on my first attempt. I decided to enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of paprika and a bit more salt. It's worth noting that the amount of milk needed can vary based on factors like location, altitude, and humidity. Since I live in a dry, high altitude area, I ended up using more than a cup of milk to achieve the desired consistency even though I only made half the recipe. For those experiencing issues with a thin sauce, it could be due to living at a lower altitude or not cooking the roux long enough before adding the milk and cheese. Additionally, if your mac and cheese turns out grainy, it might be because the cheese was added too quickly. To achieve a smoother texture, it's important to add the cheese gradually, ensuring it melts completely before adding more – a step not clearly outlined in the recipe. If the sauce is too thick, simply add more milk. And if it tastes like flour, it's likely the flour and butter were not cooked sufficiently, potentially leaving them partially raw. To address this, you can continue cooking the mixture carefully or opt to start anew.

Michael Torres

09/12/2023 07:14:48 PM

Fast delivery as advertised. I utilized Organic No Salt Seasoning with just 1/2 tsp of salt and the result was fantastic. I substituted medium shells for elbows and cooked them under high pressure in the Instant Pot for 4 minutes while simultaneously preparing the white/cheese sauce. This recipe is excellent and I plan on preparing it frequently. It requires minimal effort and truly satisfies the craving for comfort food. Delicious!

Diane Gonzalez

02/16/2025 09:00:09 PM

Great result! I added breadcrumbs and baked it, which made it even better. My husband practically devoured half of it :) I will definitely be making this again! The additional garlic, ginger, and Italian seasonings before adding the cheese enhanced the flavor, and I especially enjoyed the thick sauce.

Thomas Wright

09/03/2022 06:16:15 AM

I tried out the recipe with a twist by incorporating onions and mustard powder into the roux, and tossing in langostinos when combining the pasta and sauce. After transferring everything to a baking dish, I topped it with breadcrumbs and baked it at 350 degrees until it was hot and bubbly. A quick broil at the end gave it a beautifully browned top. The result was absolutely delicious!

Pamela Rivera

03/09/2023 04:24:30 PM

This recipe is fabulous! I combined Havarti, Monterey Jack, and Jalapeño Cheddar cheeses for a rich blend of flavors. I tossed in diced leftover Easter ham, then baked it at 325 for 20 minutes with a crispy topping of crushed Ritz crackers. It was a hit with everyone!

Jacob Gomez

05/12/2025 12:24:21 PM

Outstanding! I accidentally stumbled upon these budget-friendly gourmet secrets while low on ingredients. My partner dubbed this dish 'marry me macaroni' and insisted everyone at work should taste it. Here are my tips: 1. Caramelize three white onions before making the white sauce on top of them. It's time-consuming but yields incredible results. 2. Use garlic-flavored avocado oil (along with butter) for the onions – a mistake turned into a flavor revelation. 3. Enhance the dish with smoked bacon and broccoli and bake it in the oven. 4. For a thrifty topping, combine crumbled bread, garlic-flavored crackers, and butter in the pan used for frying the bacon and onions. Pour this over the mac and cheese, add some grated cheese, then bake. 5. Thanks to the garlic avocado oil, I could rely solely on cheap cheddar cheese without needing expensive parmesan. This dish is a keeper!

Joshua Carter

01/19/2025 01:57:11 AM

I cook this recipe regularly! Thank you.

Anna Johnson

04/15/2023 08:19:12 PM

Wonderful recipe! My family and I absolutely adored it ❤️

Frank Lee

10/05/2022 06:24:34 PM

Super fast and simple. Followed the half recipe instructions. Substituted sharp cheddar with a 4 cheese blend. Turned out fantastic!