Few comfort foods are as universally beloved as macaroni and cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and filling, it’s a dish that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a nostalgic taste of childhood, or a crowd-pleasing side dish, macaroni and cheese never disappoints.
This simple macaroni and cheese recipe focuses on using basic ingredients to create a dish with rich flavor and smooth texture. It skips complicated steps and specialty ingredients, proving that homemade mac and cheese can be both easy and delicious.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 4 people.
Pasta
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8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni (or any small pasta shape)
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1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
Cheese Sauce
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, warmed
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2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional for depth of flavor)
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½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Topping
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½ cup (30 g) breadcrumbs
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1 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
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Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 7–8 minutes).
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Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Roux
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In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
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Whisk in the flour to form a paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, whisking continuously.
Step 3: Build the Cheese Sauce
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Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
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Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly (about 4–5 minutes).
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Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
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Season with Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
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Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir until pasta is well coated.
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If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 5 (Optional): Bake with Topping
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Transfer macaroni and cheese to a greased baking dish.
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Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
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Bake for 15–20 minutes, until topping is golden and crispy.
Conservation and Storage
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Individual portions can be microwaved in short intervals, stirring in between.
Tips for Perfecting Simple Macaroni and Cheese
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Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect smoothness. Freshly shredded melts better.
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Control the Heat: Keep the sauce on medium to low heat after adding cheese. High heat can cause the sauce to separate or become grainy.
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Salt the Water: Seasoning the pasta water ensures the noodles are flavorful before combining with the sauce.
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Consistency Adjustments: If the sauce is too thick, thin it with pasta water or a splash of milk. If too thin, let it cook a few minutes longer to thicken.
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Mix Cheeses: Combining cheddar with cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère can enhance flavor and texture.
Variations
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Four-Cheese Mac: Blend cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gruyère for a gourmet twist.
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Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
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Protein Boost: Stir in cooked chicken, ham, or bacon for a heartier meal.
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Veggie Mac: Fold in steamed broccoli, peas, or roasted vegetables for added nutrition.
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Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with a gluten-free thickener.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve as a main dish with a simple side salad to balance the richness.
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Offer as a side dish for roasted chicken, steak, or barbecue.
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Top with crispy onions, bacon bits, or jalapeño slices for extra crunch and flavor.
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Pair with a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing contrast.
Conclusion
The Simple Macaroni and Cheese recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of pantry staples and clear steps, you can create a creamy, flavorful dish that satisfies any craving.
Its versatility allows endless variations—from baked with a golden topping to enhanced with proteins or veggies. Stored properly, it’s a dish you can prepare ahead or enjoy as leftovers without losing quality.
Whether served as a cozy dinner, a side for family gatherings, or a quick weeknight fix, this recipe guarantees comfort in every bite. Macaroni and cheese remains a timeless classic because it adapts easily while always delivering rich, cheesy goodness.
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Simple Macaroni and Cheese
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, cheesy, and comforting macaroni and cheese recipe that comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect as a main dish or a hearty side, this classic recipe is a family favorite that never goes out of style.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
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8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
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1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
For the Cheese Sauce:
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, warmed
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2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
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½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Topping (for baked version):
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½ cup (30 g) breadcrumbs
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1 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
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Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente (7–8 minutes). Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Set aside.
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Make Roux: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a paste. Cook 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
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Add Milk: Slowly whisk in warm milk, stirring until smooth. Simmer 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Season with mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Combine: Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir until evenly coated. Adjust consistency with pasta water if needed.
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Optional Bake: Transfer to a greased baking dish. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, sprinkle over top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden.
Notes
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For creamier sauce, add ¼ cup cream cheese or heavy cream.
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Mix cheese varieties (cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella) for deeper flavor.
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Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
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Add extras like bacon, ham, or broccoli for a hearty twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop (optional baked finish)
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: simple macaroni and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy homemade mac and cheese