How to Make the Perfect Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese
American · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
This creamy homemade mac and cheese is the ultimate kid friendly comfort food that the whole family will love. Parents can feel good about making this from scratch with simple pantry ingredients in under 30 minutes.
Why this recipe works
This Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 480 calories with 18g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Roux
In the same pot melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until the mixture turns slightly golden and smells nutty.
Step 3: Build the Cheese Sauce
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, salt, and garlic powder until completely melted and smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the drained pasta back into the pot and stir well to coat every noodle in the cheese sauce. Serve immediately in bowls while hot and gooey.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- whole milk → 2 percent milk or evaporated milk for extra creaminess
- cheddar cheese → Colby Jack or American cheese for a milder flavor kids love
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding cheese while the sauce is still on high heat causes it to become grainy and clumpy
- Not whisking constantly when adding milk results in a lumpy sauce that is hard to fix
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 480 calories, 18g protein, 58g carbs, 20g fat, 2g fiber.
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