Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe

Name: Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces elbow macaroni (use 6 ounces for 2 people; add 3 ounces per extra person if scaling up); 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk (use 1 cup for 2 people; add ½ cup per extra person if increasing); 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Craving something warm and filling after a long day? This homemade mac and cheese recipe is the kind of simple comfort food that always feels right, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a slow Sunday evening. It’s creamy, cheesy, and made with basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. I like to stir the sauce slowly until it turns silky and smooth, knowing dinner is almost ready. This dish brings everyone to the table without complaints, and it’s easy enough to make even when you’re tired. Cozy, familiar, and satisfying—this is the kind of meal you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Looking for a dinner that makes everyone happy without extra effort? This homemade mac and cheese recipe checks all the boxes. It’s rich and creamy but still simple enough for beginner cooks. You don’t need fancy ingredients or special tools—just pasta, cheese, milk, and a few pantry basics.
Trying to stretch your grocery budget this week? This recipe uses affordable ingredients and still feels special. It’s weeknight-friendly, kid-approved, and reheats beautifully for lunch the next day. You can even freeze portions for later, which makes it perfect for meal prep.
Want something you can tweak based on what’s in your fridge? You can easily adjust flavors, add mix-ins, or scale it down for two people or up for a crowd. It’s the kind of cozy meal you’ll want to save and make often.

Ingredients

12 ounces (about 3 cups) elbow macaroni (for 2 people, use 6 ounces; for more than 4, add 3 ounces pasta per extra person)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (for 2 people, use 1 cup; increase by ½ cup per extra person if scaling up)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation – 40 words

Wondering how to start without feeling rushed? Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until just tender. Drain and set aside. If cooking for two, use a smaller pot. For larger batches, use a bigger pot so pasta cooks evenly.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process – 40 words

Not sure how to get a smooth sauce? In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about one minute until lightly golden. Slowly pour in milk, whisking gently. Let it simmer until slightly thick and creamy.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients – 40 words

Worried about clumpy cheese? Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar and mozzarella a handful at a time, stirring until melted before adding more. Season with salt and pepper. If doubling the recipe, add cheese gradually so it melts evenly.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer – 40 words

Unsure when it’s ready to serve? Add the drained pasta into the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is coated. Let it cook together for two to three minutes until thick and glossy. For smaller portions, simmer slightly less to prevent drying.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Need something you can make without planning ahead? This dish comes together in about half an hour and uses simple ingredients. You can cook the pasta earlier in the day and make the sauce when ready to eat. Leftovers store well, so you can pack them for lunch or reheat the next evening without losing that creamy texture.

Tips & Tricks

Want extra creaminess without making it heavy? Warm the milk slightly before adding it to the flour mixture. Cold milk can slow thickening and create lumps. If making half the recipe for two people, reduce cooking time slightly so the sauce doesn’t over-thicken.
Struggling with grainy cheese sauce? Always lower the heat before adding cheese. High heat can cause it to separate. If increasing the recipe for more than four, keep heat moderate and stir constantly to maintain a smooth texture.
Wondering why your mac and cheese feels dry later? Slightly undercook the pasta by one minute so it stays tender after mixing. When preparing a larger batch, add an extra splash of milk at the end to keep it creamy.
Trying to balance flavor? Taste before serving and adjust salt carefully, especially if using different cheeses. For smaller portions, seasoning can feel stronger, so start light. When scaling up, increase salt gradually rather than all at once.

Variations

Meaty Version
Want to add protein to make it more filling? Stir in 1 cup of cooked, crumbled ground beef or shredded chicken before the final simmer. For two servings, use about ½ cup. If cooking for a bigger group, increase meat in small amounts so the sauce still coats everything well.

Vegetarian Option
Looking to add vegetables without losing creaminess? Mix in 1 cup of steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms. For two people, use ½ cup vegetables. When making extra servings, avoid overcrowding the pan—add vegetables gradually so the sauce stays balanced.

Ingredient Swap
Out of cheddar or want a new flavor? Try Colby, Monterey Jack, or a mild gouda. Keep the total cheese amount the same for four servings. If halving the recipe, halve the cheese evenly. For larger portions, increase cheese in equal ratios to maintain texture.

Flavor Boost
Want a little extra kick? Stir in ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, a pinch of garlic powder, or a spoonful of Dijon mustard. For two servings, use just a small pinch. When doubling, add seasonings slowly and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the dish.

Serving Suggestions

With a Crisp Salad
Need something fresh on the side? Serve with a simple green salad tossed in light vinaigrette. The crisp texture balances the creamy pasta. For two people, a small bowl of salad works well. For larger groups, prepare a big sharing bowl to round out the meal.
Alongside Roasted Chicken
Want a heartier dinner? Pair it with roasted or grilled chicken. The mild flavor works beautifully together. If cooking for more than four, roast extra pieces of chicken so everyone gets a generous plate without stretching the pasta too thin.
With Garlic Bread
Craving something extra cozy? Serve with warm garlic bread to scoop up the cheese sauce. For smaller portions, one or two slices each is enough. For a crowd, bake a full loaf sliced into pieces for easy sharing.
As a Holiday Side Dish
Planning a family gathering? This recipe works well as a comforting side. Simply double the ingredients and use a larger pot. Keep a little warm milk nearby in case you need to loosen the sauce before serving buffet-style.

Storage Instructions

Fridge Storage
Wondering how long leftovers last? Store cooled mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For smaller portions, divide into individual containers for easy reheating. Larger batches should be cooled completely before sealing to avoid excess moisture.
Reheating
Concerned about dryness when reheating? Add a splash of milk before warming in the microwave or on the stove. Heat gently and stir halfway through. For single servings, reheat in short intervals. Bigger portions should be reheated slowly over low heat.
Freezing
Thinking about freezing extra portions? Let it cool fully, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Freeze in meal-sized portions for convenience. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating with a little added milk to restore creaminess.
Make-Ahead Tips
Trying to prep dinner earlier in the day? Cook the pasta and store it separately from the sauce for best texture. Combine and reheat gently before serving. If preparing for more than four people, keep sauce slightly thinner so it reheats smoothly.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Rest Time: Not needed
Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Worried about calories per serving? Each serving contains approximately 450–520 calories, depending on cheese choice. You’ll get about 18–22 grams of protein per portion. It also provides calcium from the cheese and some iron from the pasta. Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Store pasta and sauce separately, then combine and reheat with a splash of milk.

Why is my sauce grainy?
The heat may have been too high when adding cheese. Lower heat and stir gently.

Can I use low-fat milk?
Yes, but the sauce may be slightly less creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Why is my mac and cheese too thick?
Add warm milk a little at a time until it loosens. This works for small or large portions.

How do I store leftovers safely?
Cool completely, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

How can I make it cheesier?
Add an extra handful of shredded cheese at the end. If doubling the recipe, increase cheese gradually.

Conclusion

Need a dependable dinner that feels like home every single time? This homemade mac and cheese recipe is simple, comforting, and easy to adjust for any table size. Whether you’re cooking for two, feeding a family of four, or doubling it for guests, it adapts without stress. You can keep it classic or add your own twist depending on what’s in your fridge. Save it for busy nights, cold evenings, or whenever you need something warm and familiar. Once you make it, it’s likely to become one of those recipes you return to again and again.