Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia with every bite. There’s just something about creamy, cheesy pasta that makes us feel cozy and content. While boxed versions can be convenient, there’s nothing quite like homemade mac and cheese made from scratch—rich, velvety, and bursting with flavor.
In this post, we’ll show you how to make the best homemade mac and cheese from scratch, with a smooth cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and the ideal balance of flavors. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a holiday gathering, or just because you’re craving something comforting, this mac and cheese recipe will hit the spot.
Let’s get started on this ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients You’ll Need 🧑🍳
For the mac and cheese itself:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, but adds a great flavor depth)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional for a subtle flavor boost)
For the crispy topping (optional but highly recommended):
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs work great)
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese for sprinkling on top
How to Make the Best Homemade Mac & Cheese 🍽️
Step 1: Boil the Pasta 🍝
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water to flavor the pasta as it cooks. Cook the pasta al dente—this means it should still have a slight firmness when you bite into it.
Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside. You can even drizzle a little olive oil over it to prevent sticking if you’re not using it immediately.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce 🧀✨
While your pasta is cooking, it’s time to work on the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Keep whisking for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and get rid of any raw taste.
Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to prevent lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes. If you’re using Dijon mustard, add it in now along with the paprika and garlic powder (if desired). The mustard adds a subtle tang that really brings out the richness of the cheese.
Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and begin adding your cheeses: cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir constantly until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce 🍝🧀
Now it’s time to marry the pasta and the cheese sauce! Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat every noodle in that creamy, cheesy goodness. Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper as needed.
At this point, you can enjoy your mac and cheese as-is, or you can go the extra mile with a crispy topping.
Step 4: Make the Topping (Optional) 🍞
For an added layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle some breadcrumbs over your mac and cheese and bake it in the oven to get that perfect crispy top. To make the topping, combine the Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and a little extra shredded cheddar cheese. Toss until the breadcrumbs are coated.
Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish and top with the breadcrumb mixture. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. You can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end to get a darker, crunchier top.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy! 🍽️
Once your mac and cheese is baked and golden on top, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve it hot and creamy, with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese if desired.
This homemade mac and cheese pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it alongside a green salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy bacon for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Mac & Cheese 🧑🍳
- Use a variety of cheeses: While sharp cheddar is the star of the show, combining it with mozzarella and Parmesan creates a more complex flavor. Mozzarella adds creaminess, while Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty taste.
- Don’t skip the roux: The roux (butter and flour mixture) is the base for the creamy sauce. It helps thicken the milk and creates a velvety texture. If the sauce feels too runny, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken up.
- Stir in some extras: Feel free to add a twist to your mac and cheese by mixing in extras like cooked bacon, sautéed onions, fresh herbs, or even a spoonful of hot sauce for some heat.
- Perfect your pasta-to-sauce ratio: If your mac and cheese turns out too thick or too runny, adjust the pasta-to-sauce ratio. More pasta means less sauce, and more sauce means a creamier, cheesier dish.
- For extra creaminess, use whole milk: While you can use lower-fat milk, whole milk gives the cheese sauce the perfect creaminess. You can even use half-and-half or heavy cream for an ultra-decadent sauce.
Variations You Can Try 🍽️
1. Bacon Mac & Cheese: 🥓
Cook some bacon until crispy and crumble it into the mac and cheese for a smoky, salty bite. You can also sprinkle the bacon on top of the mac and cheese for an added crunch.
2. Truffle Mac & Cheese: 🍄
If you’re looking to elevate your mac and cheese, add a drizzle of truffle oil to the cheese sauce. The earthy, aromatic flavor of truffle oil will take your dish to a whole new level.
3. Vegan Mac & Cheese: 🌱
For a vegan version, swap the dairy products with plant-based alternatives. Use cashew cream or coconut milk for the creamy base, and nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor. Add a bit of turmeric for color and flavor.
4. Spicy Mac & Cheese: 🌶️
Add a few tablespoons of hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick. It’s a perfect pairing with the creaminess of the cheese!
Conclusion 🍴
Making mac and cheese from scratch might take a little extra time, but the payoff is worth it. With rich cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and an optional crispy topping, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Whether you enjoy it as a side dish, a main course, or as part of a larger meal, homemade mac and cheese is sure to satisfy any craving for comfort food. And with endless possibilities for customization—like adding bacon, truffle oil, or even going vegan—you can make this recipe your own.
So grab your ingredients, whip up this classic dish, and treat yourself to the best homemade mac and cheese you’ve ever tasted! 🧑🍳🧀
