Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

This comfort food recipe is easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients. See FAQ’s for substitutions or other options. For this recipe you will need:

• Macaroni- we used elbow pasta but any pasta shape can be used.
• Butter
• Flour
• Milk- whole milk or 2% milk can be used
• Shredded cheese- we used shredded cheddar cheese but any shredded cheese will work

First, cook your macaroni according to the package in salted water. Once cooked pour into strainer and set aside. You’re going to use the same pot to make your cheese sauce. To make the roux, melt the butter over medium-low heat then stir in the flour. Cook for 2 minutes while stirring constantly.

Next, add your milk and raise the heat to cook over medium heat. Stirring constantly bring to a boil. Stir until thickened slightly about 3-4 minutes. Lower stove temperature to low heat and slowly add the cheese stirring after each addition so cheese melts thoroughly.

Taste sauce and season to taste with salt and pepper. Once all cheese is melted add cooked macaroni back to pot and stir to coat all pasta.

Yes! Make the recipe as described then spray a baking dish with non-stick spray. Pour the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. This recipe can also be baked. Simply mix together a little melted butter with bread crumbs. Put finished macaroni and cheese into a baking dish and top with bread crumbs then bake at 350 degrees for about 10-20 minutes or until breadcrumbs are toasted.

We have not tested this recipe as gluten free however you should be able to swap out the pasta for your favorite gluten free pasta and use cornstarch in place of the flour. Make as described in the recipe card.

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Love this Homemade Macaroni and Cheese and looking for more recipes like this one? Try these: Easy Roasted Potatoes, Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob, Chili Mac and Cheese, Italian Pasta Salad, Lemon Butter Shrimp and Pasta, Easy Homemade Meat Sauce, Simple Mediterranean Orzo Salad, Healthy Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce, Citrus Chicken Pasta, Spinach Lasagna, Crock Pot Pasta Sauce, Turkey Lasagna Soup and Sausage Casserole! Or, if you landed here while looking at vegetarian recipes, then our vegetarian category is for you! For more easy store bought recipes you can make at home see our Collection of Store-Bought Foods You can Easily Make at Home.