Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious! This Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe brings all the joy of this classic dish right to your kitchen. Using a blend of cheeses and simple ingredients, you can create a rich, flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Why Make This Recipe
Why settle for boxed mac and cheese when you can whip up a homemade version in no time? This recipe is not only simple but also allows for customization to suit your taste. Whether you’re feeding a family or having friends over, homemade mac and cheese always pleases a crowd. Plus, it uses fresh ingredients, making it taste even better than the store-bought kind!
How to Make Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Cavatappi Pasta (or elbow, penne, farfalle)
- 4 Tablespoons Butter
- 1/4 cup Flour
- 1 1/2 cups Whole Milk
- 1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
- 8 ounces Sharp Cheddar (freshly grated)
- 8 ounces American Cheese (Boar’s Head from the deli)
- 4 ounces Medium Cheddar Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard (may use 2 teaspoons)
Directions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cavatappi pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to salt the water to add flavor! Drain and set aside.
- Make the Roux: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour for about 2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste. This makes sure your sauce doesn’t taste like raw flour.
- Add Dairy: Slowly add the heavy cream and whole milk, about 1/4 cup at a time, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the Dijon mustard, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the American cheese (cut into small pieces), medium cheddar, and 4 ounces of sharp cheddar, stirring until melted and smooth. Keep the heat on low and whisk after each addition.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Pour this into a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 4 ounces of cheddar cheese on top. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts, or bake at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately for the creamiest texture. You can sprinkle some dried parsley or extra paprika on top for a touch of color.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese
Serve this mac and cheese nice and hot. It’s perfect as a main dish or a side. You can also pair it with some steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
How to Store Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese
Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or bake it in the oven until hot.
Tips to Make Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese
- Use Fresh Cheese: Always opt for freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and meltability.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to add more spices, like a dash of hot sauce or some chopped herbs, to suit your taste.
Variation
You can add ingredients like cooked bacon, broccoli, or even lobster for a twist on this classic dish. Experiment with different cheese blends like Gouda or Monterey Jack for unique flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes! You can definitely use gluten-free pasta in this recipe. Just follow the cooking instructions for the gluten-free pasta of your choice.
2. How can I make mac and cheese spicy?
To add some spice, you can include diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce in the cheese sauce for an added kick.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mac and cheese, then cover and refrigerate it before baking. Just reheat it and bake before serving.
Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb Cavatappi Pasta (or elbow, penne, farfalle)
Dairy and Butter
- 4 Tablespoons Butter
- 1.5 cups Whole Milk
- 1.5 cups Heavy Cream
- 8 ounces Sharp Cheddar (freshly grated)
- 8 ounces American Cheese (Boar’s Head from the deli)
- 4 ounces Medium Cheddar Cheese (freshly grated)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1.5 teaspoons Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard (may use 2 teaspoons)
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cavatappi pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to salt the water to add flavor! Drain and set aside.
Making the Roux
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour for about 2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste.
Adding Dairy
- Slowly add the heavy cream and whole milk, about 1/4 cup at a time, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Seasoning the Sauce
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Melting the Cheese
- Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the American cheese, medium cheddar, and 4 ounces of sharp cheddar, stirring until melted and smooth. Keep the heat on low and whisk after each addition.
Combining with Pasta
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Pour this into a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 4 ounces of cheddar cheese on top. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts, or bake at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes.
Serving
- Enjoy immediately for the creamiest texture. Sprinkle some dried parsley or extra paprika on top for a touch of color.
