Ultimate Homemade Mac and Cheese 

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting—Mac and Cheese is the quintessential comfort food that brings smiles to all ages. Whether you’re making it as a side dish for family dinners or serving it as a hearty main course, this homemade version is far better than any boxed mix. With a velvety cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a golden crispy topping, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through each step to create a deliciously rich mac and cheese from scratch using simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the pasta:

• 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni or your favorite short pasta

• Salt (for boiling water)

For the cheese sauce:

• 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter

• 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour

• 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk (warm)

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (warm)

• 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the topping (optional but highly recommended):

• 1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs

• 1 tablespoon butter (melted)

• Extra cheese for sprinkling on top

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente (about 7–8 minutes).

3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Roux

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Whisk in the flour to form a roux.

3. Cook the mixture, whisking constantly, for about 1–2 minutes until it becomes golden and bubbly (this removes the raw flour taste).

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Slowly whisk in the warm milk and cream to avoid lumps.

2. Cook over medium heat, whisking continuously, until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).

3. Lower the heat and add the shredded cheeses, stirring until smooth.

4. Season with mustard powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce.

2. Stir until the macaroni is completely coated and creamy.

Step 5: Optional Baking with Topping

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.

3. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle on top of the pasta.

4. Add extra cheese over the breadcrumbs for a crispy, gooey finish.

5. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Serving

This recipe makes about 6 generous servings. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken for a complete meal. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting blend of gooey cheese and tender pasta.

Homemade Mac and Cheese is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it an ideal comfort food for any day of the week. Whether you keep it classic or add extras like bacon, jalapeños, or a crunchy breadcrumb topping, it’s incredibly versatile and satisfying. With just a bit of time and some pantry staples, you can create a dish that brings everyone to the table with eager forks in hand. Give this recipe a try, and you may never reach for the boxed version again!