I would like to introduce you to an easy-to-make mac and cheese recipe that can be prepared in 20 minutes.
This dish is renowned for its delightful taste and can be served directly from the stove to maintain its luxuriant creaminess.
Alternatively, those who prefer a crisply baked crust may finish in the oven until it achieves a radiant golden-brown hue. The creamy mac and cheese recipe truly stands out as a comfort food beloved by many.
After years of refining and perfecting, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve crafted the ultimate Creamy Mac & Cheese recipe.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a review at the bottom of this page.
Why Everyone Loves Mac and Cheese Recipe?
Easy to Make: My goal is to make recipes easy for everyone, regardless of experience.
It takes practice, and if you don’t cook out the flour long enough or if your liquid ratio is off, your cheese sauce can end up too thick.
Creamy Goodness: The inside of this Mac and Cheese is incredibly creamy and moist. I’ve tried various Mac and cheese recipes, and even the ones that got the creaminess right often had a drier sauce.
Cheese Galore: I carefully selected cheeses that strike the perfect flavor balance and melt beautifully.
And let’s be honest, a good cheese pull is essential—especially if you’re serving this at Thanksgiving dinner or a family potluck.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pasta: Grab a box and a half. You can choose any shape you like. Elbow macaroni and shells work well.
- Butter & Flour: A touch of richness. This combo thickens our cheese sauce.
- Milk or Heavy Cream: When it comes to making this recipe, I recommend using either whole milk or heavy cream. To achieve the best sauce, just gently warm up your milk before adding it to the cheese sauce.
- Cheese: Because what’s mac and cheese without it? Sharp white cheddar is my go-to—it’s flavorful and melts beautifully. Grate it yourself for the best results.
- Spices: Add some flavor. Make it simple with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and other ingredients of your choice or taste.
- Cream: Adds extra creaminess and a silky texture.
Mac And Cheese Recipe Variations
Bacon: If you’re a bacon fan, go ahead and sprinkle some crispy, crumbled bacon on top of your mac and cheese.
Make it Keto: If you’re following a keto diet, this recipe is tailor-made for you. Just swap out the macaroni noodles with some boiled cauliflower or broccoli. It’s a delicious low-carb twist.
Choice of Spices: If you want to spice up your macaroni and cheese, try adding some classic flavors like mustard, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. And for an extra twist, consider using smoked paprika—it’s delicious.
Variety of Cheeses: If you want to make your mac and cheese extra cheesy, go for freshly grated cheese. Consider Fontina or Monterey Jack. And if you want an extra flavor boost, a touch of parmesan or pecorino cheese is delightful!
How to Make Macaroni And Cheese
This mac and cheese recipe is really easy to make. Follow the steps below!
- Shred your selection of cheeses and separate them into three equal portions.
- Cook the noodles in boiling water until al dente.
- Prepare the cheese sauce by following your recipe.
- Combine the cooked noodles with most of the cheese sauce, reserving a portion for the layers.
- In a baking dish, spread half of the noodle and cheese sauce mixture.
- Drizzle a layer of the reserved cheese sauce over the noodles, then sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese.
- Ensure the top is evenly covered with shredded cheese for a perfect finish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese melts completely, which should take about 20-25 minutes.
- For a golden brown crust, broil on high heat until the cheese bubbles and browns to your liking.
Storing Creamy Mac and Cheese
To properly store macaroni and cheese, place it in a sealed container and refrigerate for no more than five days.
It can also be frozen for up to three months, though be advised that freezing may alter the texture upon reheating.
For thawing, leave the mac and cheese in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it carefully.
For optimal reheating, use a low heat setting to prevent the sauce from separating and becoming oily.
Employ a thick-walled saucepan, introduce a modest amount of milk to the mac and cheese, and warm it up gradually, stirring frequently.
In the event the sauce separates, incorporating additional cheese, such as cheddar or cream cheese, can help restore its smooth consistency.
Key Takeaways for Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Opt for block cheese that you shred yourself, as pre-shredded varieties often contain starch that hinders smooth melting.
- Select whole milk to achieve the most luxurious texture.
- Before incorporating the cheese, confirm that the milk has reached a simmer and the sauce has sufficiently thickened due to the roux. This step is crucial for seamless cheese integration.
- Patience is key—even with an easy recipe like this one. It’s advisable to approach each step with deliberation to guarantee a flawless result.
Easy To Make Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Measuring Cups Spoons
- 2 Liquid Measuring Cup
Ingredients
- 1.5 boxes For this recipe, you’ll need (24 ounces total) of macaroni noodles.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter 5 tablespoons (70g)
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour 5 tablespoons about (65g)
- 5 cups whole milk or 4 cups heavy cream
- 1 pound cheddar cheese (16 Oz or 450 grms)
- 4 oz cream cheese optional (of choice)
- 2 tbsp salt depending upon the taste
- 1 tbsp ground mustard powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp white pepper
- 1/4 tbsp cayenne pepper (optional) optional (richness of the taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent cooking environment for your macaroni and cheese.
- Pasta Preparation: Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until it’s just al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cheese Sauce Creation: In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux. This will thicken your sauce and add a touch of richness.
- Combine Milk and Cheese: Slowly pour the warm milk or heavy cream into the roux while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens slightly. Reduce the heat to low and add the cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Seasoning: Season your cheese sauce with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Feel free to add any other spices that suit your taste.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little more milk or cream to adjust the consistency.
- Baking: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Pour the half cup of cream over the top for extra creaminess. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serving: Remove the baked macaroni and cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, creamy goodness!
Notes
Amelia Rose is a food enthusiast from Florida whose love for cooking blossomed in her backyard. Growing up, Amelia was surrounded by the rich culinary diversity of her home state, from fresh seafood to vibrant citrus fruits. Her interest in food sparked early, as she helped her parents prepare family meals, often experimenting with spices and flavors.