Easy Mac and Cheese

This from-scratch mac and cheese recipe is a big step up from the blue box. In addition to being perfect on its own for lunch or dinner, it also makes a great foundation from which tons of other mac and cheese recipes can be born.

For our easy mac and cheese, we start with al dente pasta, then whisk together a bechamel sauce and stir in cheddar cheese. The whole recipe can be done in about 20 minutes. Serve this mac as a main dish or as a side paired with other classics like meat loaf or pot roast.

Easy Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• Pasta: For a traditional look, reach for a box of elbow macaroni. You can switch it up with other short-cut pasta shapes such as medium shells, rotini, cavatappi or penne.
• Butter and flour: From-scratch mac and cheese begins with a simple roux made from butter and flour. The butter adds richness to the sauce, while the flour acts as a thickening agent.
• Salt and pepper: The simple seasonings make this an easy mac and cheese recipe. For more flavor, stir in Italian seasoning, mustard powder, onion powder, garlic, chili powder or crushed red chili flakes.
• Milk: Adding milk to roux makes bechamel. I like to use whole milk for mac and cheese. While low-fat options work, whole milk yields the smoothest, creamiest cheese sauce.
• Cheddar cheese: We love a good sharp cheddar for the most flavor. Plan to grate the cheese yourself rather than buying shredded cheese; it melts better and results in a smooth sauce that isn’t lumpy or grainy.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

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Cook the macaroni according to the package directions

Editor’s Tip: You can also try a cold water pasta hack, if you’re up for an experiment. Save time by adding your pasta to a skillet filled with a quart of cold water. Bring it to a boil then cook and stir until it’s al dente. It should be faster than bringing a pot of water to a boil.

Step 2: Make the roux

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour, salt and pepper and whisk them until they form a smooth paste.

Editor’s Tip: For the best taste, cook the roux for one to two minutes before proceeding to the next step. This ensures the sauce will not have a raw flour taste or texture.

Step 3: Add milk and cheese

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Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking well as you pour. Once all the milk has been added, bring the sauce to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, for two minutes or until it has thickened.

Remove the sauce from the heat, then slowly add the cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese has melted. You should have a luscious, smooth cheese sauce.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t be tempted to pour all of your milk in at once. Slowly adding milk to the roux is key to achieving a velvety smooth sauce without lumps or grittiness.

Step 4: Stir in the pasta

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Drain the macaroni, then add the hot pasta to the cheese sauce. Toss to coat the pasta, then serve the mac and cheese warm.

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Recipe Variations

• More cheese, please: While cheddar is the classic choice, it’s far from the only option. I also like smoked Gouda, Gruyere and fontina. All are great melting cheeses with wonderful flavor.
• Beef up the mac: Add some protein to this easy cheddar mac and cheese. With cooked ground beef it becomes a simple cheeseburger macaroni.
• Kick up the heat: Add 1/2 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese and some chopped fresh or pickled jalapenos to this easy mac and cheese recipe for a bit of spice.
• Ladle on the chili: Serve this mac and cheese with meaty chili to make it a hearty, rib-sticking meal.
• Eat your veggies: Add chopped steamed broccoli, grilled bell peppers or sauteed mushrooms. I also love to make a spinach and artichoke version by adding chopped artichokes and wilted spinach to the sauce.

How to Store Easy Mac and Cheese

This easy cheddar mac and cheese recipe should be kept refrigerated. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight food storage container for up to four days.

Can you freeze easy mac and cheese?

Yes! This easy mac and cheese recipe can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. After cooking, transfer it to a freezer-safe dish and let it cool completely. Then, cover it with a lid or with storage wrap and heavy-duty aluminum foil.

How do you reheat easy mac and cheese?

When reheating recipes that contain dairy, low and slow is the name of the game. Frozen mac and cheese should be defrosted in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Once thawed, it can be reheated in the microwave, on the stovetop or in the oven. Here are our best tips for reheating pasta.

• Microwave: Warm it in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of milk. Heat it in one-minute intervals at a reduced power, stirring well after each minute, until it’s heated through.
• Stovetop: Transfer the mac and cheese to a medium saucepan with a splash of milk. Warm it over medium-low heat, covered with a lid, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through.
• Oven: Add a splash of milk and reheat it in an oven-safe casserole dish covered tightly with foil. Bake it at 350°F, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through.

Easy Mac and Cheese Tips

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How do you keep mac and cheese creamy?

Mac and cheese needs fat to stay creamy. Always opt for whole milk and full-fat cheese.

Can you bake this easy mac and cheese recipe?

Yes, you can bake this easy mac and cheese recipe. To bake it, transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Top it with additional cheese (or bread crumbs if you’d like a crispy texture), then bake it at 350° for 15 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly. You can also pick a top-rated baked mac and cheese recipe for tailor-made instructions.

What can you serve with easy mac and cheese?

Mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser when served as both a side dish and as a main dish. For a lighter meal, serve it with a garden salad. You can also pair it with comfort food, like barbecue ribs, pan-seared pork chops, honey walleye or homemade panko chicken tenders.