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!
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
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 with boiled and seasoned broccoli or glazed carrots.
Why is this the Best Homemade Mac & Cheese?
It’s extra saucy, creamy, and totally dreamy
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!
What Ingredients Are Needed for Mac and Cheese?
Macaroni noodles: The classic elbow noodles are my favorite, but feel free to use your favorite 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.
I also add in some Colby and Monterey because of their mild flavor and good melting properties. 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, 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!
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 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!
A Classic Dish that’s Ready in No Time
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure! Simply make the roux with gluten-free macaroni and gluten-free flour.
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.
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!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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
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 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.
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Best Mac & Cheese Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni pasta
- butter
- flour
- heavy cream
- milk
- cream cheese
- sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Colby and Monterey cheese, shredded
- Swiss and Gruyere cheese, shredded
- salt
- black pepper
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:
Roasted Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Gigi Hadid’s Viral Pasta Recipe (Without the Vodka)
Rotini Crab Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms
The Best Macaroni & Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
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.
Iman says
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
Lama says
You’re welcome Iman! Excited to hear your whole family liked this mac & cheese recipe!! 🙂
Faith says
This was just rated a 10 at dinner! Will double the quantity next time because my kiddos loved it. Thank you
Lama says
OH YAY!!! Cheesy good 🙂 So glad you all loved this Mac and Cheese!!!
Joy says
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
Erica says
This was my first Mac n cheese try and it was a SUCCESS! Creamy, tasty, and cheeeeesy!
Kristie says
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 😉
Lisa says
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!
Lama says
Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoyed this recipe as much as I do!!
Cathy says
This recipe is perfect! It’s exactly how we love mac and cheese_nice, creamy, and cheesy! Will definitely make it again!
Happy holidays
Lama says
Happy to hear that ! Thank you. Happy holidays to you too 🙂
Zeinab says
Best Mac and cheese I’ve ever made! My family was wowed! Thank you Lama! It’s on my menu for new year!!
Leslie says
Awesome… as always. Tried Mac and Cheese for the first time. Will never buy boxed mac n cheese again!
Thank You so much.
Lama says
YES!! It is so much easier and tastier at home!
Andy says
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
Lama says
Amazing!! Most welcome. Really glad you liked my Mac & Cheese recipe 🙂
Isabel says
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!
This is my new go to Mac n cheese recipe.
Many thanks
Emma says
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!
Andy says
This recipe worked flawlessly and resulted in a creamy cheesey mac and cheese. The instructions were clear and super easy to follow! LOVE IT
Ray says
Super easy! Super tasty! And suoer cheesey. Perfect mac and cheese recipe
Pauline says
This mac n cheese is sooo cheesy good
Cathy says
Quick and easy to put together – so delocious and out of this world good! Thank you
Lama says
Hi Cathy!! AWESOME!! Nothing like a deliciously cheesy Mac and Cheese recipe 🙌
Joanna says
I’ve become addicted to this mac and cheese recipe. It’a incredibly delicious the combination of cheese is divine 👍
Lama says
Yay! Glad you liked my Mac and Cheese recipe!
Ashley says
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!
Zeina says
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
Sue says
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!
Lama says
YAY!
Hannah says
Best Mac n cheese recipe. Can be done in a breeze and the result is cheesy goodness
Diana says
My first successful attempt for making Mac n Cheese! Thank you Lama❤️