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Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe

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
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
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?.