Save A creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese that's quick and comforting perfect for a fast weeknight meal or a cozy lunch.
This easy mac and cheese quickly became a family favorite whenever we're in need of comfort food.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 4 oz (115 g) elbow macaroni
- Sauce: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk 1 cup (100 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1/4 cup (25 g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/8 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Topping (optional): 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs 1 teaspoon melted butter
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2:
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to make a roux.
- Step 3:
- Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens (about 3–5 minutes).
- Step 4:
- Lower the heat to low. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth.
- Step 5:
- Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Step 6 (optional):
- For a baked topping Preheat broiler. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish. Broil for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 7:
- Serve hot.
Save This recipe always brings back warm memories of our family dinners together, sharing stories and laughter over cheesy goodness.
Notes
Try adding a pinch of mustard powder or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor. For a protein boost, stir in cooked diced ham or steamed broccoli.
Required Tools
Medium pot Whisk Measuring cups and spoons Oven-safe dish (if broiling topping)
Nutritional Information
Calories 420 Total Fat 22 g Carbohydrates 39 g Protein 17 g per serving
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This mac and cheese recipe is a simple yet satisfying dish that everyone will love.
Kitchen Guide
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is traditional, offering a perfect texture for holding the smooth cheese sauce. Other short pastas like shells or cavatappi also work well.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives to replicate the creamy texture without dairy.
- → How do I get a crispy topping?
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, sprinkle on top, and broil for a few minutes until golden and crisp.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables or proteins?
Yes, stirring in steamed broccoli or cooked diced ham boosts nutrition and flavor diversity.
- → How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?
Whisk the flour into melted butter to form a roux before gradually adding milk, stirring constantly to ensure smoothness.