Mac and Cheese Recipe | Easy Dinner Everyone Loves

Mac and Cheese Recipe | Best Homemade Cheesy Pasta

I grew up thinking boxed mac and cheese was unbeatable until I tried making it from scratch one night during college. Turns out it’s just as easy and tastes a thousand times better. You get that real creamy cheese flavour, the perfect texture of pasta, and the flexibility to tweak it however you like. Whether you bake it crispy on top or keep it stovetop-smooth, this homemade mac and cheese hits the comfort food spot every single time.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients

  

• 250 g elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 TBSP all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk whole or semi-skimmed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ tsp paprika optional.
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs optional for topping

Method

 

1. Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour until it forms a paste.
3. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to keep the sauce smooth.
4. Stir in the cheese one handful at a time until melted and creamy. Add salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Mix in the macaroni until evenly coated.
6. Optional baked version: Transfer to a dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs and extra cheese, then bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes.
7. Serve warm and enjoy.

Video

Notes

I learned early on that the kind of cheese you use really matters. Cheddar gives you that classic bite, while mozzarella melts into stretchy, creamy perfection. For a richer flavor, try Gruyère or Gouda; both are packed with calcium and protein, which makes this dish a little more wholesome. You can read more about the Is cheese bad for you here.
Cheese provides calcium and protein, but also saturated fat and sodium. Read more in the Cleveland Clinic’s overview Is cheese good for you?.

Seasonal Variations

• Summer Twist: Add roasted cherry tomatoes or baby spinach for a lighter version.
• Winter Comfort: Mix in roasted butternut squash or caramelized onions for a cozy, sweet edge.
• Festive Mix: Use leftover turkey or ham and top with crushed crackers for a crunch.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a balanced meal.
• Add crispy bacon bits or fresh herbs before serving.
• Serve as a side dish at BBQs or as the main course on a chill night in.

Tips & Tricks

• Slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t go mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Warm your milk first to avoid lumps and make the sauce smoother.
• If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk and stir gently.
• Use a blend of cheeses for the best taste: sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even a bit of parmesan.
• To learn more about dairy’s nutritional value, check out this detailed guide on the health benefits of milk.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbs: 38g