Ahhh macaroni and cheese—the ultimate comfort food 🧀💛
Here’s a classic, creamy, no-fail version, plus a couple of easy upgrades.
Classic Homemade Macaroni & Cheese
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk (warm)
- 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ tsp paprika or mustard powder
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in salted water; drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour; cook 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk; cook until thick.
- Lower heat, stir in cheese until melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
- Fold in macaroni and serve creamy.
Baked Version (Optional)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour mac & cheese into a greased dish.
- Top with extra cheese or buttered breadcrumbs.
- Bake 20 minutes until bubbly.
Easy Upgrades
- Extra creamy: mix in ¼ cup cream cheese
- Sharp flavor: use sharp cheddar + a little Parmesan
- Southern style: add a beaten egg before baking
- Grown-up: add bacon, jalapeños, or lobster 😄
If you want, I can give you:
- A super-cheesy baked Southern mac
- A stovetop 5-ingredient mac
- Or a lighter / WW-friendly version
