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Home » Dinners » Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Published: Sep 24, 2020 Michelle Boulé

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

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pin image for homemade macaroni and cheese

There are few comfort foods that are universally loved, but a good Homemade Macaroni and Cheese has to be one of them. Velvety soft cheese, whether baked or stovetop, with or without a crunchy topping, is a staple in any cook's catalog.

I know your family probably has their recipe for Homemade Macaroni and Cheese or at least you'll have fond memories of eating Kraft or Velveeta as a kid. The reason mac and cheese is a favorite is because it rarely disappoints.

Homemade Mac and Cheese in a white bowl.
Jump to:
  • What makes a good sauce
  • What type of pasta to use
  • Mac and Cheese Variations
  • Ingredients Needed
  • Equipment Needed
  • Storage Tips
  • Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
  • Arya's Corner
  • About Michelle

What makes a good sauce

A great mac and cheese always starts with...cheese! I like to use several cheeses (cheddar, monterey jack, parmesan) so that the cheese flavor is robust and well rounded. You can use many different types of cheeses as long as they melt well together. For instance if you want a creamy smooth texture, don't use a crumbly cheese like blue cheese as it won't fully incorporate with the rest of the cheeses.

I usually start my sauce off with making a roux, then adding milk and heavy cream to create a béchamel sauce. I'll then season generously with salt, pepper, paprika and ground mustard (ground mustard also helps the cheese get that golden color).

A black for scooping up a bite of Homemade Mac and Cheese.

What type of pasta to use

I decided to use Cavatappi pasta for this mac and cheese. The classic of course is using elbows, but I've also made great mac and cheese with shells, penne or orecchiette. Most shaped pasta varieties will work for a mac and cheese.

The types of pasta I would advise you to avoid are long noodles, seasoned pasta (the flavors may clash) and artisanal pasta such as squid ink pasta.

Alternative pasta such as chickpea or quinoa based pasta will also work for this recipe. You may need to adjust the cooking time for the pasta, but following the box instructions will be the best bet.

an overhead shot of Homemade Mac and Cheese.

Mac and Cheese Variations

There are several different ways that you can use this recipe as a base and add variations.

Ham Mac and Cheese: This version adds in ham, which is a great way to use up leftovers too!
Turkey Pot Pie Mac and Cheese: This rendition combines a mac and cheese base with your favorite pot pie fillings.
Cajun mac and Cheese: This variation brings the spice with the addition of andouille sausage, peppers and cajun seasoning.
Baked Mac and Cheese: This version is baked and topped with a delicious crumb topping. Need we say more?

Homemade Mac and Cheese close up detail.

Ingredients Needed

  • 1 Pound Dried Pasta 
  • ½ Cup Butter
  • ½ Cup Flour
  • 1 ½ Cups Milk
  • 2 Cups Half and Half
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 1 Tsp Paprika
  • 1 Tsp Ground Mustard
  • 2 Cups Sharp Cheddar
  • 1 Cup Cheddar Jack

Equipment Needed

  • Stock Pot
  • Saucepan
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Whisk

Storage Tips

Fridge: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, either warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Freezer: Place in an airtight container and keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, defrost in the microwave and warm until heated through.

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese is a classic dinner recipe that never gets old! Cheesy, delicious and easy, this recipe will not dissapoint!
4.37 from 38 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 750 kcal

Equipment

Saucepan
Saute Pan
Wooden Spoon
Le Creuset Dutch Oven

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 Pound Dried Pasta Elbows or Cavatappi preferred
  • ½ Cup Butter
  • ½ Cup Flour
  • 1 ½ Cups Milk
  • 2 Cups Half and Half
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 1 Tsp Paprika
  • 1 Tsp Ground Mustard
  • 2 Cups Sharp Cheddar
  • 1 Cup Cheddar Jack

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta per package instructions until al dente. Set aside.
  • In a large pot or dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir together until fully incorporated. Cook roux until flour is cooked through and it has a slight nutty aroma.
  • Slowly add milk to roux mixture, whisking together so that it is smooth and fully blended together. Add is half and half.
  • Add in seasonings and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Whisk in cheese and stir until fully incorporated. Let simmer for several minutes until sauce thickens.
  • Add pasta to the sauce mixture and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 750kcalCarbohydrates: 71gProtein: 24gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 24gCholesterol: 116mgSodium: 433mgPotassium: 410mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1425IUVitamin C: 0.7mgCalcium: 446mgIron: 1.9mg
Keyword homemade macaroni and cheese

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Arya's Corner

Because we are in San Francisco, our living space is tiny and our outdoor space is tinier. That doesn't stop Arya from relaxing outside as much as she can!

A photo of my siberian cat Arya sitting on a table outside on a deck.
About page profile picture

About Michelle

Hello! I'm Michelle Boulé. I'm a photography nerd, cat mom and all around foodie. Join me in making some of my favorite comfort foods!

Learn more about me →

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Comments

  1. Tisha says

    October 08, 2018 at 6:38 pm

    5 stars
    Mac N Cheese is my sons favorite thing to eat!! Homemade is always the best!

    Reply
  2. Amanda says

    October 08, 2018 at 6:55 pm

    5 stars
    Mac and cheese is one of my major weaknesses. This recipe looks amazing! Love how saucy and creamy it looks. Can't wait to make this!

    Reply
  3. Juli says

    October 08, 2018 at 10:00 pm

    5 stars
    Mac and cheese has to be one of .y.favoeite foods, and I try new things for a living. Such a classic.

    Reply
  4. Shanika says

    October 09, 2018 at 3:34 am

    5 stars
    This Mac and Cheese looks so perfect! I love the creaminess and load of cheese! OMG! Pinned this for later!

    Reply
  5. Danielle Wolter says

    October 09, 2018 at 3:46 am

    5 stars
    There is nothing like a good macaroni and cheese. So delicious and comforting!

    Reply
  6. Nancy says

    January 15, 2021 at 12:22 am

    5 stars
    I love stove top Mac & Cheese when I want something quickly but my absolute favorite is Baked Mac & Cheese. I love it a little bit more on the sharp side with a crunchy buttered bread crumb topping. Do you have a recipe for that? I misplaced my usual one when I moved.

    Reply

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Hello! I'm Michelle Boulé. I'm a photography nerd, cat mom and all around foodie. Join me in making some of my favorite comfort foods!

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