Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe

Mac and Cheese is one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl — creamy, comforting, and full of cheesy goodness. This Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe is simple, quick, and perfect for satisfying those cheesy cravings. It’s made with a deliciously rich and smooth cheese sauce, combining sharp cheddar, medium cheddar, and Boar’s Head American cheese for a unique, creamy flavor that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or preparing for a family gathering, this recipe delivers on both flavor and ease.

What sets this mac and cheese apart is the combination of freshly grated cheeses and a well-balanced roux that forms the perfect base for a creamy, smooth sauce. The addition of seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and Dijon mustard brings layers of flavor that take this dish to the next level. With a perfect balance of texture and taste, this homemade mac and cheese is comfort food at its finest!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Creamy and Flavorful

This mac and cheese has the perfect creamy texture, thanks to the combination of heavy cream, whole milk, and three types of cheese.

2. Simple Ingredients

Made with pantry staples and easy-to-find ingredients, you don’t need anything fancy to make this dish taste amazing.

3. No Packaged Cheese

The use of freshly grated cheddar and American cheese ensures that your mac and cheese has a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that you can’t get from pre-packaged, shredded cheese.

4. Customizable Seasoning

With paprika, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard, this recipe has great depth of flavor, but you can always adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.

5. Quick and Easy

From prep to plate, this mac and cheese comes together quickly, making it a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients

• Cavatappi pasta (or elbow, penne, farfalle)
• Butter
• Flour
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
• American cheese (from the deli, Boar’s Head)
• Medium cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Dijon mustard (optional)

Variations

• Spicy Mac and Cheese: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
• Bacon Mac and Cheese: Incorporate crumbled crispy bacon into the mac and cheese for added texture and flavor.
• Veggie Mac and Cheese: Add cooked broccoli or spinach for a vegetable boost.
• Vegan Mac and Cheese: Use dairy-free cheese, almond milk, and plant-based butter for a vegan-friendly version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Roux

While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste. This will help prevent the sauce from tasting like raw flour.

Step 3: Add Dairy

Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, about 1/4 cup at a time, while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Season the Sauce

Stir in the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings to your taste.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the Boar’s Head American cheese (cut into small pieces), 4 ounces of medium cheddar, and 4 ounces of sharp cheddar, reserving the other 4 ounces for the topping. Stir constantly until fully melted and smooth.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish.

Step 7: Bake or Broil

If baking, set the oven to 350°F and bake for 12-15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Alternatively, you can broil the top by setting the oven to broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Step 8: Serve

Serve immediately for the creamiest texture. Optionally, sprinkle with dried parsley or additional paprika on top for garnish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Freshly Grate Your Cheese: Always use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-packaged shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents, which can prevent the cheese from melting smoothly.
• Don’t Skip the Roux: The roux is the base of your cheese sauce, and it helps ensure a smooth and creamy texture. Make sure you cook it long enough to eliminate the raw flour taste.
• Season to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings, especially the paprika and Dijon mustard, depending on your personal preferences.
• Use Whole Milk and Heavy Cream: For the creamiest sauce, stick to whole milk and heavy cream. Low-fat milk can affect the texture and richness of the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese as a main dish or as a side to complement proteins like grilled chicken, steak, or BBQ ribs. You can also pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For added flavor, sprinkle with a little extra cheese, parsley, or breadcrumbs before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover mac and cheese to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat by adding a splash of milk and warming on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Freezing

Mac and cheese can be frozen, but it may not retain its original creamy texture. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake or broil until hot and bubbly.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the mac and cheese in a saucepan over low heat, stirring in a little milk or cream to bring back the creaminess. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes! While cavatappi is ideal for mac and cheese, you can substitute elbow macaroni, penne, or farfalle.

2. Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, you can use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk in place of whole milk, but the texture may be slightly different.

3. Can I use different cheeses?

Yes! While this recipe calls for sharp cheddar, medium cheddar, and American cheese, you can try using Gruyere, mozzarella, or even Monterey Jack.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake or broil it before serving.

5. Can I freeze mac and cheese?

Yes, you can freeze mac and cheese, but keep in mind that the texture may change after freezing and reheating.

6. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy twist.

7. What’s the best way to reheat mac and cheese?

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture. You can also reheat in the microwave.

8. How can I make the topping crunchy?

For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers on top before baking or broiling.

9. Is this mac and cheese gluten-free?

To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check that your flour is gluten-free.

10. Can I add bacon or other toppings?

Yes, crispy bacon bits, sautéed onions, or even breadcrumbs can make excellent additions.

Conclusion

This Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food, bringing rich, creamy, and cheesy goodness to your table with minimal effort. Whether you bake it, broil it, or serve it immediately, this mac and cheese is sure to be a hit with family and friends. With simple ingredients, customizable seasonings, and a quick cooking time, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy perfection in every bite!

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