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    Home » Main Dish

    November 27, 2021

    Best Mac and Cheese Recipe

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    This is the BEST Mac & Cheese Recipe you will ever make! In 15 minutes you can have a bowl of this this creamy, rich, and cheesy coated plate of noodles, and hearts will be full!


    One for Your Holiday Recipes Notebooks!

    macaroni and cheese recipe
    Creamiest Mac and Cheese!

    Mac and cheese will be your favorite recipe for a quick meal. I make this for thanksgiving dinner every year and this year I made a few tweaks… Let’s just say, the pot was gone!


    Creamy Dreamy Mac & Cheese

    Macaroni noodles are baked with butter, different types of cheese, and heavy whipping cream to create the Best Mac and Cheese recipe.
    Macaroni noodles are baked with butter, different types of cheese, and heavy whipping cream to create the ultimate comforting dish.

    Whatever the occasion, whatever the reason, this mac and cheese recipe will always bring comfort and warmth. Both kids and adults will be giddy with excitement over this silky, creamy, and cheesy goodness!

    Once you try this homemade Mac and Cheese, you won’t go back to the boxed version ever again. For a complete meal, serve your mac and cheese as a main dish with boiled and seasoned broccoli or glazed carrots.  


    Why is this the Best Homemade Mac & Cheese?

    It’s extra saucy, creamy, and totally dreamy with different kinds of cheese.

    It’s easy to make the sauce from scratch

    The pasta does not get dry and remains nice and creamy

    It tastes wonderful, especially when it is paired with sharp cheddar cheese.

    It is great for add-ins. The sky is basically your limit here. You can add proteins, herbs, or your favorite veggies.

    It’s a kid friendly recipe that the entire family will enjoy, even your pickiest eaters!


    Irresistibly Smooth & Cheesy!

    This Classic Homemade Mac and Cheese is made with bite-size macaroni, cheese, and a simple creamy sauce all cooked to perfection!  
    After you try this homemade mac and cheese, you’ll never turn to the boxed version again. A small bowl isn’t enough.

    What Ingredients Are Needed for Classic Mac and Cheese?

    Macaroni noodles: The classic elbow noodles are my favorite, but feel free to use your favorite short pasta. Elbow macaroni, penne, rotini, and shells are excellent choices. Gluten-free pasta also works well!

    Butter: There really isn’t a substitute for butter in this recipe in terms of flavor. Use unsalted butter for this and then adjust salt to taste when making the sauce. However, if salted butter is all you have, it will suffice. If butter is unavailable, you can use margarine or ghee.

    Flour: I use all purpose flour. However, corn starch, tapioca starch/flour, and all-purpose gluten-free flour can be used as well. 

    Cheese: Traditional mac and cheese is made with sharp cheddar cheese. For a richer cheesy taste, I use a combination of sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey, and Swiss and Gruyere. I also add some cream cheese to make the sauce extra creamy.

    Heavy cream: Adding heavy cream will make the sauce rich and creamy.

    Milk: This recipe works well with any type of milk. Just keep in mind that the more fat you use, the creamier your homemade mac and cheese will be.

    Salt and Pepper: Add some salt and a dash of black pepper for extra flavor.


    What is the Best Cheese to Use for Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese?

    Macaroni and cheese is often made with sharp cheddar cheese. It’s practically a part of every American kid’s childhood.

    Cheddar is my nostalgic favorite when it comes to mac and cheese. It melts easily, making it ideal for that delectable cheese pull. It also gives the mac and cheese the classic orange color.

    You can add different cheeses. I usually add in some Colby and Monterey Jack because of their mild flavor and good melting properties. You may add some Pepper Jack, another version of Monterey Jack. Also, for a lot of complex cheese flavor and depth to the dish, I add some Swiss and Gruyere cheese.

    It’s better to grate your own cheese to get the best flavor, no matter what kind you use. I know it takes a little more time to prepare, but hand-grated cheese melts so much easier into the sauce. But you can skip this part and use pre-shredded cheese as I have before and it will be perfect!


    Look at this Silky Glossy Cheesy Sauce!

    This mac and cheese is a family favorite recipe, loved by children and adults alike. It uses a combination of cheeses melted into a rich and creamy sauce, for the ultimate in cheesy deliciousness!  Ideal for a hearty dinner or as a holiday side dish!
    This is the best ever Mac & Cheese! You have to give it a shot at least once!

    How to Avoid Grainy Cheese Sauce

    The type of cheddar you use makes a difference. High quality aged cheddar cheese will taste better and have a smoother texture. Milder and cheaper cheddar cheese will taste less flavorful.

    Fresh grated cheese is best. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded store-bought cheese, and grating cheese ensures it melts smoothly and evenly in sauce.


    Does Cheese Have To Be At Room Temperature?

    Make sure the cheese is at room temperature. It’s always good to grate the cheese first, before starting the recipe. By doing so, it can sit at room temperature while you prepare the white sauce.

    Use low heat. The cheese will melt properly and smoothly if the temperature changes gradually. Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before adding the cheese. The sauce should only be warm enough to melt the cheese.


    What Can You Add to Mac and Cheese?

    You can dress up your macaroni and cheese in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:

    • Fresh Herbs
    • Crumbled Bacon
    • Grilled chicken
    • Broccoli
    • Hot Sauce
    • Jalapenos

    Macaroni and Cheese Variations

    Baked Mac and Cheese: Simply combine the pasta and cheese sauce in a baking dish and bake with a little more cheese and breadcrumbs on top.

    Taco Mac & Cheese: Taco Mac & Cheese is the perfect duo! So rich and cheesy, it melts in your mouth mixed with taco seasoned ground beef! 

    Roasted Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: A good option for a lower carb version that you can enjoy guilt-free! 

    Turkey and Mac Sandwich: Thanksgiving leftovers is the best way to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner all over again, but, in a sandwich! 


    Comfort Food that’s Ready in No Time

    This mac and cheese recipe has a thick creamy texture and enough cheesy goodness to make you swoon.
    Classic Homemade Mac and Cheese made with bite-size cooked pasta and a simple creamy cheese sauce all cooked to perfection!  

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make this gluten free?

    Sure! Simply make the roux with gluten-free macaroni and gluten-free flour.

    Can I reheat Mac and Cheese?

    This Mac & Cheese reheats well in the microwave. It only takes 2 minutes. Add a few extra spoons of milk to make it extra creamy. You can also reheat it in a pot on the stove on low heat.

    Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

    YES you can!! Freshly shredded cheese melts better in mac and cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent it from sticking together, which affects how it melts but it still has worked for me!

    How Long does Mac & Cheese keep in the fridge?

    Store any leftovers in a bowl and wrap it with a plastic wrap or put them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

    How do you keep mac and cheese creamy?

    Cook your noodles in milk instead of water. So for this recipe you will cook your noodles with 2 cups heavy cream and 3 cups whole milk. This helps to create a very creamy consistency since the starches of the noodles are released into the milk when cooked.


    Top Tips to Get the Best Recipe

    Cook pasta until it’s al dente (firm). Otherwise, the noodles will cook more in the sauce and will become mushy.

    Salt the pasta water. This really makes a difference in the flavor of the pasta.

    A pro tip is to shred the cheese by hand because pre-shredded cheese contains additives to keep it from clumping together which affects the way it melts.

    For a bread crumb topping, melt some butter in a skillet and then add the bread crumbs. Spread them on top of your dish with a sprinkle of paprika.

    For more flavor to this mac‘n cheese, you can add 2 teaspoons of garlic powder and/or onion powder. You can also add a dash of paprika, a dash of dry mustard, some mustard powder, or ground nutmeg.

    A great way to keep the macaroni extra creamy is to place the finished macaroons and cheese in a baking dish, top with more cheese of choice. Bake for 8 minutes at 350F then broil for 2 minutes until the top is golden.

    Mac and cheese is a crowd pleaser. So, you can double or triple the ingredients. Make sure to use a large pot to boil your macaroni.


    Save, Pin, and Share This Mac & Cheese Recipe

    This Creamy Mac and Cheese takes just minutes to prepare on the stovetop, contains four types of cheese, and is creamy, hearty, and delicious!
    There’s nothing to say, but there’s plenty to eat!

    Best Mac & Cheese Ingredients

    Next time you crave something cheesy goodness, you have to try this homemade macaroni and cheese recipe. Here’s what you need.

    • Elbow macaroni pasta
    • stick of butter
    • flour
    • heavy cream
    • warm milk
    • cream cheese
    • sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
    • Colby and Monterey cheese, shredded
    • Swiss and Gruyere cheese, shredded
    • salt
    • black pepper

    What an Easy Recipe! Check the recipe card for more detailed steps.


    Melt the butter on low to medium heat, then whisk in the flour.

    It should look like this.

    Pour in the milk

    Then, pour in the heavy cream.

    Add the cheese and whisk.

    Until smooth & creamy

    Gently mix in drained elbow noodles.

    Enjoy!


    Steps to Prep the Best Mac & Cheese Recipe

    First, boil a pot of water. Add a little salt and pasta and cook for 8 minutes then strain.

    Meanwhile, in a large saucepan on low / medium heat melt butter, then add the flour and whisk together until smooth. Then slowly add the milk, whisking to combine.

    After that, add in the cream cheese, shredded Colby and Monterey cheese and the gruyere cheese. Whisk until creamy.

    Finally, gently fold in the cooked elbow pasta.  Serve immediately and enjoy!


    More Macaroni Recipes to Try:

    Taco Mac & Cheese

    Roasted Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

    Turkey and Mac Sandwich

    Gigi Hadid’s Viral Pasta Recipe (Without the Vodka)

    Tuna Pasta Salad

    Viral Air Fryer Pasta Chips

    Lemon Parmesan Spaghetti

    Pasta Salad Dressing

    Mediterranean Pasta

    Tomato Parmesan Spaghetti

    Rotini Crab Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms


    Mac & Cheese

    The Best Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

    Lama
    This Mac and Cheese is a family favorite recipe, loved by children and adults alike. It uses a combination of cheeses melted into a rich and creamy sauce, for the ultimate cheesy deliciousness! Ideal for a hearty dinner or as a holiday side dish!
    5 from 24 votes
    Print Recipe Comment Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 8 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 people

    Ingredients
      

    • 16 oz elbow macaroni noodles
    • ¼ cup butter
    • ¼ cup flour
    • 2 cups heavy cream
    • 3 cups whole milk
    • 2 oz cream cheese
    • 2 cups medium sharp cheddar cheese shredded
    • 2 cups Colby and Monterey cheese shredded
    • ¼ cup Swiss and Gruyere cheese
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Boil a pot of water, add a little salt, pasta and cook for 8 minutes then strain.
    • Meanwhile in a large saucepan on low / medium heat melt butter, then add the flour and whisk together until smooth. After that, slowly add the milk, whisking to combine.
    • Add in the cream cheese, shredded Colby and Monterey cheese and the Gruyere cheese. Whisk until creamy.
    • Gently fold in the cooked elbow pasta.  Serve immediately and Enjoy! 

    Video

    Notes

    Top Tips

    Cook pasta until it’s al dente (firm). Otherwise, the noodles will cook more in the sauce and will become mushy.
    Salt the pasta water. This really makes a difference in the flavor of the pasta.
    Shred the cheese by hand because pre-shredded cheese contains additives to keep it from clumping together which affects the way it melts.
    For more flavor to this mac ‘n cheese, you can add 2 teaspoons of garlic powder and a dash of paprika or ground nutmeg.
    A great way to keep the macaroni extra creamy is to place the finished macaroni and cheese in a baking dish, top with more cheese of choice. Bake for 8 minutes at 350F then broil for 2 minutes until the top is golden.
    THE BEST WAY TO KEEP MAC AND CHEESE CREAMY – Cook your noodles in milk instead of water. So for this recipe you will cook your noodles with 2 cups heavy cream and 3 cups whole milk. This helps to create a very creamy consistency since the starches of the noodles are released into the milk when cooked.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Iman says

      November 29, 2021 at 8:57 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve tried many mac and cheese recipes before, but this one was the BEST. It was a hit with the whole family! The combination of different cheeses gave it a unique taste! Thank u

      Reply
      • Lama says

        December 01, 2021 at 2:51 pm

        You’re welcome Iman! Excited to hear your whole family liked this mac & cheese recipe!! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Faith says

      December 03, 2021 at 9:34 pm

      5 stars
      This was just rated a 10 at dinner! Will double the quantity next time because my kiddos loved it. Thank you

      Reply
      • Lama says

        December 27, 2021 at 4:20 am

        OH YAY!!! Cheesy good 🙂 So glad you all loved this Mac and Cheese!!!

        Reply
    3. Joy says

      December 10, 2021 at 8:54 pm

      5 stars
      Made this mac and cheese for dinner last night and it disappeared of the table in 5 minutes!
      5 stars !!!and this recipe is definitely a keeper

      Reply
    4. Erica says

      December 11, 2021 at 9:44 pm

      5 stars
      This was my first Mac n cheese try and it was a SUCCESS! Creamy, tasty, and cheeeeesy!

      Reply
    5. Kristie says

      December 18, 2021 at 9:14 pm

      5 stars
      My friends have offered to pay me to make this for them after they tried it. And I’m a terrible cook! Enough said!!!😅😅
      Thanks Lama! I’m disovering my cooking talents 😉

      Reply
    6. Lisa says

      December 23, 2021 at 9:16 pm

      5 stars
      Sooo good! I have always failed at making homemade mac and cheese but this recipe was a huge hit with the family! I used the types of cheese you mentioned which gave it a smooth creamy texture and a delicious flavor. Will definitely make it on Christmas!

      Reply
      • Lama says

        December 25, 2021 at 11:53 pm

        Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoyed this recipe as much as I do!!

        Reply
    7. Cathy says

      December 24, 2021 at 8:05 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is perfect! It’s exactly how we love mac and cheese_nice, creamy, and cheesy! Will definitely make it again!
      Happy holidays

      Reply
      • Lama says

        December 25, 2021 at 11:52 pm

        Happy to hear that ! Thank you. Happy holidays to you too 🙂

        Reply
    8. Zeinab says

      December 26, 2021 at 8:45 pm

      5 stars
      Best Mac and cheese I’ve ever made! My family was wowed! Thank you Lama! It’s on my menu for new year!!

      Reply
    9. Leslie says

      December 29, 2021 at 8:36 pm

      5 stars
      Awesome… as always. Tried Mac and Cheese for the first time. Will never buy boxed mac n cheese again!
      Thank You so much.

      Reply
      • Lama says

        January 22, 2022 at 2:00 pm

        YES!! It is so much easier and tastier at home!

        Reply
    10. Andy says

      December 30, 2021 at 9:39 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe worked flawlessly.The instructions are clear and the amounts work perfectly for us (family of 4) and result in a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. The sauce has no lumps and it’s sooo smooth! Thank u

      Reply
      • Lama says

        January 22, 2022 at 1:58 pm

        Amazing!! Most welcome. Really glad you liked my Mac & Cheese recipe 🙂

        Reply
    11. Isabel says

      January 02, 2022 at 9:20 pm

      5 stars
      A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!
      This is my new go to Mac n cheese recipe.
      Many thanks

      Reply
    12. Emma says

      January 04, 2022 at 8:44 pm

      5 stars
      I can’t wait to make this for some friends this week! We are supposed to bring a dish to a gathering for lunch and I’m bringing this mac and cheese!

      Reply
    13. Andy says

      January 14, 2022 at 9:19 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe worked flawlessly and resulted in a creamy cheesey mac and cheese. The instructions were clear and super easy to follow! LOVE IT

      Reply
    14. Ray says

      January 17, 2022 at 9:01 pm

      5 stars
      Super easy! Super tasty! And suoer cheesey. Perfect mac and cheese recipe

      Reply
    15. Pauline says

      January 23, 2022 at 9:40 pm

      5 stars
      This mac n cheese is sooo cheesy good

      Reply
    16. Cathy says

      February 07, 2022 at 8:39 pm

      5 stars
      Quick and easy to put together – so delocious and out of this world good! Thank you

      Reply
      • Lama says

        February 08, 2022 at 1:34 am

        Hi Cathy!! AWESOME!! Nothing like a deliciously cheesy Mac and Cheese recipe 🙌

        Reply
    17. Joanna says

      February 27, 2022 at 9:01 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve become addicted to this mac and cheese recipe. It’a incredibly delicious the combination of cheese is divine 👍

      Reply
      • Lama says

        March 03, 2022 at 5:11 pm

        Yay! Glad you liked my Mac and Cheese recipe!

        Reply
    18. Ashley says

      March 05, 2022 at 9:10 pm

      5 stars
      I was starving and discovered that I had mac and cheese ingredients at home. So, I thought I should be able to make a quick mac and cheese. I found this recipe. It was so easy, the result was great and it hit the spot!

      Reply
    19. Zeina says

      March 08, 2022 at 9:28 pm

      5 stars
      I used to buy boxed Mac n Cheese, but after i tried your recipe i won’t ever do it. This one is healthier and more delicious

      Reply
    20. Sue says

      March 17, 2022 at 8:47 pm

      5 stars
      I was starving and discovered that I had just enough milk cheese, butter, and elbow macaroni, so, I thought I should be able to make a quick mac and cheese. I found this recipe and was delighted that it was so easy and I thought the result was great. It hit the spot!

      Reply
      • Lama says

        April 24, 2022 at 5:54 pm

        YAY!

        Reply
    21. Rima says

      May 22, 2022 at 7:53 pm

      5 stars
      Soooo yummy! My kids loved it and asked me to make it the next day😅😅
      Everything is perfect from measurements to cook time
      Thank you

      Reply
    22. Hannah says

      June 10, 2022 at 7:57 pm

      5 stars
      Best Mac n cheese recipe. Can be done in a breeze and the result is cheesy goodness

      Reply
    23. Diana says

      June 22, 2022 at 7:52 pm

      5 stars
      My first successful attempt for making Mac n Cheese! Thank you Lama❤️

      Reply
    24. Diana L. says

      July 30, 2022 at 8:30 pm

      5 stars
      Easiest and tastiest Mac n cheese!

      Reply

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