Easy Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe: Quick Homemade Comfort Food

Name: Easy Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe: Quick Homemade Comfort Food
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients: 2 cups Elbow Macaroni (uncooked); 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter; 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour; 3 cups Milk (whole or 2%); 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground, or to taste)

Discover how to make a truly simple and deliciously creamy mac and cheese. This classic comfort food is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying side dish. Learn the basic steps to create a cheesy, indulgent macaroni dish that everyone will love.

#Mac and Cheese

#Comfort Food

#Pasta

#Cheese Sauce

#Quick Recipe

#Easy Meal

#Homemade

#Weeknight Dinner

Creamy Mac and Cheese Close-up

Recipe Information

Prep Time

15m

Cook Time

20m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

American Comfort Food

English

Nutrition (per serving)

450

Calories

18g

Protein

40g

Carbs

25g

Fat

Mac and Cheese Ready to Serve

Ingredients

Elbow Macaroni
(uncooked)
2 cups
Unsalted Butter
1 cup

All-Purpose Flour
1 cup
Milk
(whole or 2%)
3 cups
Cheddar Cheese
(shredded)
2 cups
Salt
(or to taste)
1 teaspoon
Black Pepper
(freshly ground, or to taste)
1 teaspoon

Servings: 4

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Golden Cheesy Macaroni

Instructions

0/4 completed

1
Boil salted water, add macaroni, and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
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10m
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Boil salted water, add macaroni, and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
10m
Ensure pasta is al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with sauce.
2
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
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2m
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In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
2m
Cook the roux just until golden, not brown, for a light-colored sauce.

3
Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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5m
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Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5m
Add milk slowly to avoid lumps. Ensure the sauce doesn't boil once cheese is added.
4
Add the drained cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy your simple mac and cheese!
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1m
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Add the drained cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy your simple mac and cheese!
1m
For extra flavor, sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of hot sauce.