Name: Simple Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients: 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni (or any short pasta); 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, warmed; 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional); ½ tsp garlic powder (optional); ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ cup (30 g) breadcrumbs; 1 tbsp butter, melted

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

Scale

For the Pasta:

8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

For the Cheese Sauce:

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, warmed
2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Optional Topping (for baked version):

½ cup (30 g) breadcrumbs
1 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

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.
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.
Add Milk: Slowly whisk in warm milk, stirring until smooth. Simmer 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Season with mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine: Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir until evenly coated. Adjust consistency with pasta water if needed.
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

For creamier sauce, add ¼ cup cream cheese or heavy cream.
Mix cheese varieties (cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella) for deeper flavor.
Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
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