This macaroni and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food, crafted with a from-scratch creamy cheese sauce for unbeatable homemade flavor. It comes together quickly and bakes to golden perfection, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. You’ll love how this easy macaroni recipe brings everyone to the table with minimal effort and maximum cheesy satisfaction.

How to Make Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

My love for homemade macaroni cheese runs deep, a tradition passed down from my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. I’ve perfected this version over years of family dinners and potlucks, where its creamy texture and rich flavor always earn rave reviews. It pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or my favorite cheesy garlic bliss bread for a complete meal.

During the colder months, I often serve this baked mac and cheese alongside hearty mains like classic chicken parmesan or a comforting cottage pie. The way the cheese bubbles and browns in the oven fills my home with the most inviting aroma, promising a delicious meal that comforts from the first bite. It’s a recipe that truly feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Four Reasons This Macaroni Shines

Incredibly Creamy Texture: Our sauce method ensures every bite is luxuriously smooth and cheesy.
Surprisingly Simple: You can create this homemade favorite with just a few basic steps.
Perfect for Making Ahead: Assemble it hours before baking for stress free entertaining.
Totally Customizable: Easily adapt the cheeses or add your favorite mix ins.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Macaroni and Cheese

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

For the Pasta and Sauce

Elbow Macaroni: The classic shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully in every bite.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated from a block melts smoother than pre shredded varieties.
Whole Milk: Provides the richest, creamiest base for your cheese sauce.
Unsalted Butter: Allows you to control the salt level in your final dish.
All Purpose Flour: This creates the roux that thickens your sauce to perfection.

For Seasoning and Topping

Kosher Salt: Its coarse grains distribute seasoning evenly throughout the pasta.
Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and beautiful color to the golden topping.
Dry Mustard: This secret ingredient enhances the cheesy flavor remarkably well.
Breadcrumbs: Create that irresistible crispy, golden brown crust when baked.

Classic Vanilla Cake

Classic vanilla cake recipe with a creamy sauce and perfect bake. Easy homemade comfort food that everyone loves.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 slices

Calories 285 kcal

Equipment

electric mixer
mixing bowl
medium bowl
whisk
spatula
oven
8-inch round cake pan
wire rack
knife
measuring cups
measuring spoons

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter softened at room temperature
2 large eggs at room temperature
1/3 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease an 8-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt until well combined and no streaks remain.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then mix in the vanilla extract until just combined.
With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture in three additions, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, and mix just until the batter is smooth with no dry pockets of flour.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden and springs back when lightly touched.
Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then carefully run a knife around the edges and invert it onto the rack to cool completely.

Notes

Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth, even batter.

Keyword baking, cake, dessert, vanilla

Creative Ways to Make It Your Own

Extra Cheesy Version: Blend in Gruyère or Monterey Jack with the cheddar for more complexity.
Protein Packed: Stir in diced ham, cooked bacon, or shredded chicken for a hearty twist.
Vegetable Boost: Fold in steamed broccoli florets or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrition.

My Pro Tips for Perfect Macaroni Every Time

Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre shredded cheese contains anti caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: It will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercook it initially.
Temper the Sauce: Gradually whisk warm milk into your roux to prevent lumps from forming.
Rest Before Serving: Let it set for 10 minutes after baking for cleaner slices, much like our sheet pan lasagna.

Cozy Serving of Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Storing and Reheating Your Macaroni Masterpiece

Store: Cool completely then transfer to an airtight container; it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Portion into freezer safe containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 15 20 minutes until bubbly, adding a splash of milk to refresh the creaminess.
Make Ahead Tip: Assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; add 5 10 minutes to baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cheese to use for macaroni and cheese?

Sharp cheddar is classic for its excellent melting quality and bold flavor. I often mix in Monterey Jack for extra creaminess or a bit of Gruyère for complexity. Avoid pre shredded cheeses as they contain anti caking agents that can affect the sauce texture.

How do you keep macaroni and cheese creamy?

The key is making a proper roux with equal parts butter and flour before adding your milk. Cook the sauce until nicely thickened, then stir in your cheese off the heat. For extra insurance, some cooks add a slice of American cheese for its emulsifying properties.

Can you make macaroni and cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely, this recipe is perfect for making ahead. Assemble completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5 10 minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.

Why is my macaroni and cheese grainy?

Graininess usually happens when cheese is overheated or added too quickly. Always remove your sauce from the heat before stirring in the cheese. Also, grating your own cheese from a block prevents the anti caking agents in pre shredded varieties from causing texture issues.

What can I add to macaroni and cheese to make it better?

I love adding a teaspoon of dry mustard or a dash of hot sauce to enhance the cheese flavor. For toppings, buttery breadcrumbs or crushed crackers add wonderful texture. Like our breakfast casserole, you can also add proteins or vegetables for a complete meal.

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Why This Macaroni and Cheese Becomes a Favorite

With its luxuriously creamy sauce and perfectly baked topping, this homemade macaroni and cheese satisfies like no other comfort food. It’s surprisingly simple to make from scratch yet impressive enough for company. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine through countless family dinners and celebrations.

Creamy Mac and Cheese