Mac and Cheese From Scratch

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Last Updated on April 9, 2025 by Toya

Looking for a simple, yet delicious mac and cheese recipe?

If you are, then you’ve come to the right place. My easy, creamy, and cheesy macaroni and cheese recipe made from scratch is exactly what you need if you have cravings from yummy mac and cheese!

Creamy, cheesy homemade Mac n cheese! Should I say more? There’s nothing like a delicious serving of Mac and cheese as a side dish (or main dish). And my creamy Mac and cheese is one of the best recipes around! It’s easy to make too and tastes amazing with some protein and a salad, or even served with some garlic bread or cornbread.

The best part? My creamy mac and cheese dish is made with easy to find ingredients, takes just 20 minutes of prep time! It is perfect for a quick meal for busy weeknight and even better for weekdays!

Let me show you how to make this easy baked mac and cheese recipe from scratch.

Ingredients

Macaroni:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni (or your favorite tubular pasta shape)

Cheese Sauce:

• 5 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 (12 ounce) cans evaporated milk (or 1 cup heavy cream and 2 cups whole milk) – Evaporated milk is a key ingredient that makes all the difference in this recipe. I use and love Carnation evaporated milk that I get from Amazon a great price.
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, but adds warmth, depth, and a subtle aromatic note)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Topping:

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• ½ cup Gruyère cheese (shredded)

How to Make Mac & Cheese

1. Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni (or your choice of pasta) according to the package instructions. If you’re looking for the perfect pot to cook your mac and cheese in, check out this durable 5-quart stock pot that heats evenly for the best results. Then drain and set aside.
2. Next, grab a large saucepan and melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to create a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is golden and bubbly. Note, since this roux is for mac and cheese, make sure the roux stays light in color (pale yellow or slightly golden).
3. Slowly pour in the evaporated milk and whole milk. Make sure to whisk constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to low and begin adding the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, a little at a time. Stir until each addition is fully melted and incorporated. Once all the cheese is melted, season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg (if using), and salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from the heat.
5. In a large bowl, add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, and stir well until all the pasta is coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Then, transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Once done, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
7. Then bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
8. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, cheesy mac and cheese!

Tips for Making This Mac and Cheese Even Better

• Use the Right Pasta: For the best results I recommend choosing a pasta shape with grooves, like elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or shells, as they hold the cheese sauce better. Also, be careful not to overcook the pasta – it should be al dente, as you pasta will continue cooking in the oven.
• Make a Smooth Cheese Sauce: When making the cheese sauce, ensure the roux (flour and butter mixture) is cooked for just a minute or two to remove any raw flour taste. Gradually add the milk (or evaporated milk for extra creaminess), and whisk constantly to avoid any lumps.
• Don’t Skimp on the Seasonings: Adding a pinch of salt, some freshly ground black pepper, and, that dash of ground nutmeg will make your mac and cheese all the more delicious. The nutmeg adds some warmth, while garlic and onion powder deepen the flavors of the overall dish. When you’re making the sauce, make sure to keep tasting it as you go, to adjust the seasonings so it taste just as you want it to taste! If your sauce doesn’t taste great, your mac and cheese won’t either!
• Let It Rest: After baking, let your mac and cheese rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to slice and serve.
• Serve as a Main or Side: This mac and cheese can easily be the star of your meal or serve as a comforting side dish to complement your other favorites.

Possible Recipe Variations

The simple mac and cheese recipe above is amazing as is, but, if you like changing things up a bit, here are some ideas to try before baking your macaroni & cheese dish!

• Add some Truffle Oil: Instead of a cheese topping, use 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of high quality truffle oil to make an awesome mac and cheese topping. The truffle oil will make the mac and cheese feel extra luxurious and special. Just mix these three ingredients together and sprinkle evenly on top of your mac and cheese before baking!

• Spicy Mac and Cheese: Add ½ – 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce for some heat. Also, try replacing 1 cup of the cheddar cheese with 1 cup of pepper-jack cheese. Adjust based on your heat preference.

• Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Stir in shredded cooked chicken and a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce to add some of those bold buffalo flavors to the recipe.
• Bacon Mac and Cheese: Simple mix in some crispy bacon bit into the mac and cheese or sprinkle some on top add some savory crunch to your mac and cheese dish.
• Lobster Mac and Cheese: If you’re feeling a bit fancy, fold in chunks of cooked lobster into your mac and cheese.

• Smoked Mac and Cheese: It’s very easy to swap out some of the cheddar for smoked Gouda to make the best smoky mac and cheese recipe.
• Four-Cheese Mac: You can use a combination of mozzarella, sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and fontina for an even richer flavor to this macaroni & cheese dish.

These are just some easy ideas you can employ to make your mac and cheese recipe more interesting.