There’s something so comforting about a warm, gooey bowl of mac and cheese, isn’t there? It takes me right back to my childhood, where Sunday dinners meant curling up on the couch with a massive plate of creamy goodness while my favorite movie played in the background. The aroma wafting from the kitchen was always a signal that something special was on the way: cheesy, rich, and oh-so-satisfying. Today, I’m excited to share my version of Easy Mac And Cheese, a dish that not only brings back those memories but also makes weeknight dinners a breeze!

I love this recipe because it’s uncomplicated and manages to deliver a deliciously creamy texture without spending hours in the kitchen. Just a few simple ingredients you likely have on hand, and you’re ready to indulge in a bowl of happiness. So, let’s dive in and make some magic happen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy—ready in about 30 minutes!
• Budget-friendly—uses pantry staples.
• Ultra-comforting and sure to please everyone!
• Customizable—add your favorite ingredients or spices.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this heavenly mac and cheese:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (plus more for greasing)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (I recommend whole milk for creaminess, but any milk works!)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded melts better!)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, but it gives a nice kick!)

Have these ready to go, and let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to whip up some mac and cheese? Here’s how we do it:

1. Boil the noodles: In a large pot, bring salted water to boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8 minutes. Remember, we’ll be baking the pasta later, so don’t overcook!
2. Drain and rinse: Once cooked, drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy.
3. Make the cheese sauce: In the same pot (you can save on dishes!), melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a roux. This will give our sauce that creamy texture!
4. Add the milk: Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, around 3-5 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon well. If it gets too thick, add a splash of extra milk!
5. Cheese it up: Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, along with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it). Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is beautiful and velvety. This is the moment where you’ll want to take a big whiff and smile—trust me!
6. Combine: Now, add the drained macaroni back to the pot. Stir gently until all the noodles are well-coated in the sauce. Your mac and cheese will look so creamy and inviting!
7. Transfer to a baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a bit of butter and pour in the mac and cheese mixture, spreading it evenly. This is where the magic will finish happening in the oven!
8. Optional topping: If you want to get that golden crust, feel free to sprinkle some extra cheese or breadcrumbs on top. Pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, just until it bubbles and slightly browns on top.

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s have some fun! Here are a few ideas to mix things up:

• Spice it up: Kick it up a notch with a sprinkle of smoked paprika, crushed red pepper, or even some diced jalapeños for a delicious wallop of spice!
• Veggie boost: Add cooked broccoli, spinach, or roasted red peppers to sneak in those veggies without sacrificing flavor.
• Meaty goodness: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, throw in some cooked bacon bits or crispy pancetta—it adds a wonderful crunch and smoky flavor.
• Cheese lovers: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a touch of blue cheese for an elegant twist.

Feel free to get creative. Cooking should be about having fun in the kitchen and making the dish your own!

Serving Suggestions

The best part about mac and cheese is how versatile it can be! Serve it up with a crisp side salad drizzled with vinaigrette to balance out the creaminess, or pair it with homemade garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal. You could even pop it alongside some grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a heartier dinner. Oh, and don’t forget a glass of chilled iced tea or a rich coffee on the side to wash it all down!

Storage Tips

Got some leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store your mac and cheese without losing its deliciousness:

• Refrigerate: Allow your mac and cheese to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container, and it should keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the mac and cheese before baking it. Just cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and store it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and follow the baking instructions as usual.
• Reheat: To reheat, add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. You can microwave individual portions for a quick fix or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Just be sure to cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out!

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! Just grab your favorite gluten-free pasta, and follow the same cooking instructions. It works just as well!

Can I make this dish vegan?

For a vegan version, swap the cheese for your favorite plant-based cheese, use almond or oat milk, and replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. It’ll still be delicious!

What type of cheese works best?

I love using a combo of sharp cheddar and Parmesan for depth of flavor. However, feel free to experiment with different cheeses—just ensure they melt well!

Is it okay to bake mac and cheese if I don’t want a crust?

Of course! You can skip the baking step altogether and enjoy it straight from the stovetop. It will still be creamy and comforting!

Conclusion

I hope you’re feeling inspired to whip up this Easy Mac And Cheese recipe soon! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when all you want is a big spoonful of comfort. I’d love to hear how yours turns out, or if you added any fun twists of your own! Feel free to comment below—let’s keep the conversation going around this irresistible dish that brings us all together.

Ultimate Easy Mac Cheese Recipe Quick Cheesy Delight

---

• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Discover the ultimate in easy mac cheese with this quick recipe Enjoy a cheesy delight thats sure to become your family favorite 151 chars

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 oz elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)

4 tbsp unsalted butter (plus more for greasing)

¼ cup all-purpose flour

3 cups milk

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

---

Instructions

Boil the noodles: In a large pot, bring salted water to boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8 minutes.

Drain and rinse: Once cooked, drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Make the cheese sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes.

Add the milk: Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.

Cheese it up: Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, along with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.

Combine: Add the drained macaroni back to the pot and stir gently until all the noodles are well-coated in the sauce.

Transfer to a baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter and pour in the mac and cheese mixture.

Optional topping: If you want a golden crust, sprinkle some extra cheese or breadcrumbs on top and bake.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 400 calories
• Sugar: 3g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g

Keywords: Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe