how to make Simple Macaroni and Cheese

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Simple Macaroni and Cheese Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

Macaroni and cheese, or “mac n cheese” as many affectionately call it, is a timeless comfort food that has been enjoyed by families for generations. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether for a quick weeknight dinner, a side dish at a holiday feast, or just a cozy meal on a cold night. The beauty of mac and cheese lies in its simplicity: a rich, creamy cheese sauce enveloping tender pasta, all baked to perfection or made in a quick stovetop version.

In this post, we’ll be diving deep into a simple macaroni and cheese recipe that will warm your heart and satisfy your soul. It’s straightforward to prepare, uses minimal ingredients, and is versatile enough to customize with different cheeses or additional mix-ins. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your repertoire.

What Is This Recipe?

This is a plain macaroni and cheese recipe that’s designed to be quick, simple, and incredibly satisfying. It’s made with basic ingredients like elbow macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, butter, and flour. The result? A velvety, indulgent sauce that clings to each piece of pasta with perfection. With this recipe, you’ll enjoy that signature comfort food flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Yield: Makes approximately 4 cups of mouthwatering mac and cheese.

Ingredients

Here’s a list of the basic ingredients for macaroni cheese that you’ll need for this recipe:

2 cups elbow macaroni (or any small pasta shape)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups milk (preferably whole milk for extra creaminess)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: ¼ teaspoon of dry mustard (to enhance the flavor profile)
Optional: A pinch of nutmeg (for a subtle, warm kick)

Directions: How to Make Simple Macaroni and Cheese

Follow these easy steps to make this fast macaroni and cheese recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something cheesy and satisfying.

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Elbow macaroni being cooked in a pot of boiling water for a simple mac and cheese recipe

Start by cooking the macaroni pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. You’ll want the pasta to be tender but still firm to the bite (al dente). Strain the cooked pasta and keep it aside as you get started on the cheese sauce.

Step 2: Make a Roux

Butter and flour being whisked together to form a roux, the base for a creamy mac and cheese sauce

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly. This creates a roux, the foundation for your cheese sauce. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, stirring the whole time, until it turns slightly golden in color. Be careful not to burn it!

Step 3: Add Milk and Thicken the Sauce

A smooth and creamy sauce thickening on the stovetop, ready for cheese to be added for macaroni and cheese

Slowly pour the milk into the roux, whisking vigorously to combine and eliminate any lumps. Continue cooking over medium heat, whisking frequently, until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency (this should take about 5 minutes). At this point, you can season the sauce with salt, pepper, mustard powder, and nutmeg if using.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Shredded cheddar cheese being added to the creamy sauce, forming the base for macaroni and cheese.

Once the sauce has thickened, turn the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Cooked elbow macaroni being mixed into a rich, creamy cheese sauce for a quick mac and cheese recipe

Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat all the pasta evenly. Cook for another minute or two to let everything heat through, and then taste to adjust seasonings. Your mac and cheese is now ready to serve!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for this simple mac and cheese recipe. Keep in mind that the numbers may vary slightly depending on the type and brand of ingredients used.

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 400
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 500mg
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 15g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This mac cheese pasta recipe is not only delicious but also:

Quick and Easy: It’s a quick recipe for macaroni and cheese that’s ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Budget-Friendly: With basic ingredients like pasta, cheese, milk, and butter, this dish is cost-effective and great for feeding a family.
Customizable: You can easily switch up the cheeses or add mix-ins like cooked bacon, veggies, or even a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
Kid-Approved: This dish is a favorite among children, making it an ideal option for family meals.
Comforting: There’s something so cozy about a warm bowl of cheesy macaroni, and this recipe nails that comforting, home-cooked flavor.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

To make this mac n cheese simple recipe, the main components are:

Elbow macaroni: You can use any small pasta shape like shells, rotini, or penne, but traditional elbow macaroni works best for soaking up the sauce.
Cheddar cheese: This recipe calls for shredded cheddar, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Milk: Whole milk gives the sauce its rich creaminess, but you can use 2% or even non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or oat milk if you prefer.
Butter and Flour: These are essential for making the roux, which thickens the sauce. You could use gluten-free flour if needed.
Seasonings: The mustard powder and nutmeg are optional but recommended for adding depth to the flavor.

Expert Tips for Success

Shred your own cheese: Pre-packaged shredded cheese typically includes anti-caking additives that can interfere with its ability to melt evenly. For the best results, shred your cheese from a block.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta until it’s just al dente, as it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the cheese sauce.
Watch the roux closely: Watch the butter and flour closely to prevent it from scorching. Whisking constantly will help prevent any lumps.

Variations and Customizations

Add proteins: Stir in cooked chicken, ham, or crispy bacon for a heartier meal.
Vegetables: Broccoli, peas, or sautéed spinach make great additions to this basic macaroni and cheese recipe.
Breadcrumb topping: For a baked version, transfer the mac and cheese to a casserole dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until golden and crispy.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this simple mac and cheese recipe for one or for a family dinner with any of these delicious sides:

A fresh green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans.
Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls for a complete comfort meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cheese sauce in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and reheat the sauce.

2. Can I freeze macaroni and cheese?
Yes, mac and cheese can be frozen. However, it may lose some creaminess when reheated. If freezing, it’s best to do so before baking (if using a baked version). Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

3. How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
To avoid a grainy sauce, be sure to use fresh cheese and melt it slowly over low heat. High heat can cause the proteins in the cheese to break down, leading to a grainy texture.

You’ll Also Love

If you enjoyed this quick and easy mac and cheese recipe, here are some other comforting pasta dishes to try:

Creamy Alfredo Pasta: A rich and velvety Alfredo sauce made with Parmesan and butter.
Baked Ziti: A classic Italian-American baked pasta dish with marinara sauce and melted cheese.
Spaghetti Carbonara: A simple yet flavorful pasta dish made with eggs, Parmesan, and crispy bacon.

Conclusion

There you have it – a simple macaroni and cheese recipe that’s quick, easy, and sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Its creamy, cheesy goodness paired with tender pasta makes it a go-to meal for any occasion. So why wait? Grab your ingredients and get cooking!

Give it a try, and savor the creamy comfort of this Simple Macaroni and Cheese Recipe! Perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a comforting midday meal. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your #BeesRecipes creations on Instagram – we can’t wait to see your unique take on this classic cheesy delight!