Does anything say comfort food quite like a creamy, cheesy dish of homemade mac and cheese? This classic recipe is a favorite among both kids and adults alike. While boxed mac and cheese can be convenient, there's something truly special about making it from scratch.
Mac and cheese in a white baking dish with a wooden spoon in it, ready to serve.
The Key to Perfect Mac and Cheese
The secret to achieving the perfect mac and cheese lies in the smooth and creamy cheese sauce. To avoid ending up with a grainy texture, there are a few important steps to keep in mind:
Choose the Right Cheese
The type of cheddar cheese you use can make a significant difference in the taste and texture of your mac and cheese. Opting for high-quality aged cheddar will give you a stronger flavor and smoother texture. Cheaper, more mild cheddar cheeses may result in a grittier taste.
Grate Fresh Cheese
Pre-shredded store-bought cheese may not melt as smoothly as freshly grated cheese. Grating the cheese yourself ensures a smoother and more even melt in the sauce.
Allow Cheese to Reach Room Temperature
Grate the cheese first and let it sit at room temperature while you prepare the white sauce. Allowing the cheese to come to room temperature ensures a gradual change in temperature when added to the sauce, resulting in a smoother melt.
Use Low Heat
To melt the cheese properly, it's important to have gradual changes in temperature. Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before adding the cheese. The sauce only needs to be warm enough to melt the cheese.
Avoid Over-Stirring
Once the cheese has melted, refrain from over-stirring the sauce. Add the noodles quickly, assemble them in a pan, and pop it in the oven for the perfect bake.
Three process photos for making mac and cheese in a skillet including melting butter, adding flour, cream and milk to make a roux, and then adding shredded cheddar cheese.
Ingredients and Steps
Making homemade mac and cheese doesn't require a long list of ingredients. Here's all you need:
- Elbow macaroni (or any other bite-sized pasta)
- Butter
- Flour
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Milk
- Half and half
- Shredded Cheddar cheese (preferably aged)
To prepare the perfect mac and cheese, follow these five simple steps:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and lightly grease a square baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni, slightly undercooking it by about 1 minute under al-dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the roux by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Blend in the flour, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the milk and half and half slowly, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted. Add the cooked macaroni noodles and toss to coat them in the sauce.
- Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle ½ cup cheese over the top. Pour the remaining pasta over it and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
A square white baking dish with mac and cheese and shredded cheese topping, ready to go in the oven.
To Bake or Not to Bake?
While you don't have to bake the mac and cheese in this recipe, baking it adds an extra level of gooeyness and a touch of sophistication. The cheese gets beautifully melted, enhancing the overall experience.
Overhead view of a skillet with homemade macaroni and cheese in it, ready to eat.
Experiment with Cheese Varieties
While this recipe calls for cheddar cheese, feel free to get creative and use different combinations of cheeses for a more luxurious mac and cheese experience. Cheese varieties like white cheddar, smoked gouda, gruyere, brie, goat cheese, mozzarella, or fontina all work well. Just make sure to choose melting-friendly cheeses.
Freezing and Storing
If you're looking to make extra portions or prepare ahead, this recipe freezes well. Simply let the mac and cheese cool completely, pour it into a freezer-friendly dish, cover it well, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, either bake from frozen at 350 degrees F for 70-80 minutes or thaw it first and bake at 325ºF for 20 minutes.
A white bowl with homemade mac and cheese in it and a spoon.
So why settle for the ordinary when you can indulge in the extraordinary? Treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible homemade mac and cheese recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!
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