Mac and Cheese Recipe

This classic mac and cheese recipe is creamy, rich, and pure comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or simple family dinners. Using basic pantry ingredients, it creates a smooth cheese sauce that coats every piece of macaroni perfectly. Whether you are looking for the best mac and cheese recipe, a quick and easy mac and cheese recipe, or a simple stovetop version that can also be baked, this recipe is dependable, budget-friendly, and full of cheesy flavor.

Ingredients

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

Directions

• Cook the macaroni by bringing a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil, adding the pasta, and cooking until just tender, about 8 minutes, then drain well.
• Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, allowing it to melt fully without browning.
• Prepare the base by stirring the flour, salt, and black pepper into the melted butter, cooking for 4–5 minutes until smooth and lightly cooked.
• Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly, continuing to cook until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth and gently bubbly.
• Add the cheese gradually, stirring until completely melted and the sauce is creamy and well blended.
• Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing until every piece is evenly coated.
• Serve immediately while hot, or transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 15 minutes if you prefer a baked mac n cheese with a lightly set top.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4