Simple Macaroni and Cheese: A Quick and Creamy Homemade Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of macaroni and cheese to satisfy comfort food cravings. While boxed versions might be convenient, making this classic dish from scratch is surprisingly simple and infinitely more delicious. This homemade macaroni and cheese recipe uses staple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator, and comes together in just 25 minutes. The best part? Once you’ve made it a couple of times, you’ll have the recipe memorized, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying meal.

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and versatility. The creamy cheese sauce, made from a basic roux, creates the perfect base for tender elbow macaroni. While this recipe calls for Cheddar cheese, feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations to find your perfect blend. Whether you’re cooking for kids or adults, this macaroni and cheese recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Simple Macaroni and Cheese: Ingredients Overview

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s review the ingredients needed for this classic comfort dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – you’ll need just a handful of basic ingredients to create a delicious meal that serves about 4 people.

• 1 (8 ounce) box elbow macaroni
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

These simple ingredients transform into a creamy, cheesy sauce that perfectly coats each piece of pasta. For the best results, we recommend using full-fat milk and block Cheddar cheese that you grate yourself, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

This straightforward recipe doesn’t require any specialized equipment, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining
• Medium saucepan for making the cheese sauce
• Wooden spoon or whisk for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater

With these basic kitchen tools, you’ll be well-equipped to create a delicious macaroni and cheese from scratch.

How to Make Macaroni and Cheese on the Stovetop

Creating this classic comfort food is a straightforward process that involves cooking the pasta and preparing a cheese sauce separately, then combining the two. Let’s break down the process into simple steps.

Step 1: Boil the Macaroni

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water – this is your opportunity to season the pasta itself. Once the water is boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, which typically takes about 8 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to soften slightly when combined with the hot cheese sauce. When the pasta is done, drain it well in a colander and set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.

Step 2: Make a Roux

While the macaroni is cooking, start preparing the cheese sauce by making a roux. A roux is a mixture of equal parts fat and flour that serves as the thickening base for many sauces, including the creamy cheese sauce for our macaroni and cheese.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is completely melted, add the flour, salt, and pepper. Using a wooden spoon or whisk, stir the mixture continuously until it’s smooth and free of lumps. This should take about 1-2 minutes. The roux should be a pale yellow color and have a slightly nutty aroma.

Next, slowly pour in the milk while continuing to stir. This gradual addition of milk is crucial to preventing lumps from forming in your sauce. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble. Be patient during this process and careful not to let the milk burn by keeping the heat at medium and stirring frequently.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Macaroni

Once your milk mixture is bubbling and has thickened slightly, it’s time for the most satisfying step: adding the cheese! Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded Cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

For the best results, add the cheese in small handfuls rather than all at once, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more. This ensures a smooth sauce without any grainy texture. As mentioned earlier, using cheese that you’ve grated yourself from a block will result in a smoother sauce than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.

Once your cheese sauce is smooth and velvety, add the drained elbow macaroni to the saucepan. Gently fold the pasta into the cheese sauce until every piece is well-coated. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a small splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Variations and Add-ins to Customize Your Mac and Cheese

While this simple macaroni and cheese recipe is delicious on its own, it also serves as a wonderful base for customization. Here are some popular variations and add-ins to consider:

Cheese Variations

While Cheddar is the classic choice for macaroni and cheese, experimenting with different cheese combinations can create exciting flavor profiles. Consider trying:

• Sharp Cheddar and Gruyère for depth of flavor
• Monterey Jack for a mild, creamy option
• Smoked Gouda for a distinctive smoky taste
• Pepper Jack for a spicy kick
• Parmesan or Romano for a sharp, salty finish

For the best results, combine a melting cheese like Cheddar or Monterey Jack with a more flavorful cheese like Gruyère or Parmesan.

Mix-ins for Extra Flavor and Texture

Transform your basic macaroni and cheese into a more substantial meal by adding proteins or vegetables:

• Crispy bacon or pancetta
• Diced ham or cooked chicken
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Steamed broccoli or peas
• Caramelized onions
• Roasted garlic
• Diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Spices

Enhance the flavor profile of your macaroni and cheese with additional seasonings:

• Mustard powder for depth (without adding a distinct mustard flavor)
• Smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note
• Cayenne pepper or hot sauce for heat
• Italian herbs like oregano and basil
• Garlic powder or minced fresh garlic
• Onion powder for savory depth

Baked Variation: Taking Your Mac and Cheese to the Next Level

If you have a little extra time, consider transforming this stovetop macaroni and cheese into a baked version with a crispy, golden topping. After combining the pasta and cheese sauce, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

For a simple topping, mix ¼ cup of melted butter with 1 cup of crushed crackers or bread crumbs, and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 30-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

Baking the macaroni and cheese creates a different texture experience, with a creamy interior and crispy topping that many find irresistible. It’s also a great option if you’re preparing the dish in advance for a gathering or family dinner.

Serving Suggestions and Sides

Macaroni and cheese works well as both a main dish and a side, depending on how you choose to serve it. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal
• Serve alongside grilled or roasted meats
• Offer with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
• Complement with tomato soup for a classic comfort food combination
• Present in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation

However you choose to serve it, this macaroni and cheese is best enjoyed fresh from the stovetop when the sauce is at its creamiest.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, store your macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce will thicken considerably when chilled, so when reheating, add a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency.

To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently and adding milk as needed. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating. Avoid high heat when reheating to prevent the sauce from separating or the cheese from becoming stringy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why is my cheese sauce grainy instead of smooth?

A: Grainy cheese sauce typically results from overheating the cheese or adding it too quickly. To avoid this, remove the milk mixture from heat or reduce to very low before adding cheese, and add the cheese gradually, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more. Using pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents, can also result in a less smooth sauce.

Q: Can I make this macaroni and cheese ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time, but the sauce may thicken significantly when chilled. For best results, make the pasta and sauce separately, undercooking the pasta slightly. Refrigerate both components, then combine and heat gently when ready to serve, adding additional milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Q: What’s the best cheese to use for macaroni and cheese?

A: Medium or sharp Cheddar is the classic choice, but a combination of cheeses often yields the best flavor and texture. Consider using a base of good melting cheeses like Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gouda, complemented by more flavorful options like Gruyère or Parmesan.

Q: How can I make my macaroni and cheese more flavorful without changing the basic recipe?

A: Adding a small amount of mustard powder, garlic powder, or onion powder can enhance the flavor without overwhelming the dish. Seasoning adequately with salt and pepper is also crucial, as is using the highest quality cheese you can afford.

Q: Can I freeze macaroni and cheese?

A: While possible, freezing isn’t ideal for creamy pasta dishes as the sauce can separate and the pasta may become mushy when thawed. If you do freeze it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently with additional milk to restore creaminess.

This simple macaroni and cheese recipe proves that homemade comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a few basic ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can create a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s far superior to any boxed alternative. Whether served as a quick weeknight dinner, a comforting side dish, or the base for a more elaborate variation, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

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