Easy Macaroni and Cheese made from scratch can be on the table just as quickly as the blue box Mac and cheese! Believe it….and made with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen. Creamy, salty, carb-y heaven is just 10 minutes away.

macaroni and cheese in a white bowl on a blue background with a small bowl of cheddar behind it.


Easy Macaroni and Cheese

Ok, guys….so school is officially back in session for most of the country and I’m already feeling the tug of the busy work/home/school schedule. We haven’t even added in swimming lessons and whatever else Landon decides he’s up for trying this year but with work travel looming, as well as, the insanely packed fourth quarter…..the pressure is on.

And by pressure….I mean getting homemade meals on the table that are quick, easy and only leave me with one pot to clean like this super simple Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe that’s been on repeat for like 3 years now. And now….this Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe that’s on the table as fast as the Blue Box Kraft Mac and Cheese. Seriously.

And since it’s made with whole ingredients like real sharp cheddar cheese, you can actually feel good about feeding your family this classic comfort food. Nothing from a box, no powdered cheese….just a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s completely addicting.

Overhead shot of three bowls of easy Mac and cheese recipe on a blue background with a floral napkin

How to Make Homemade Mac and Cheese

This simple Mac and Cheese recipe isn’t that mystical. It’s rather simple to make in just a short time.

  1. Boil a pot of water and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk in the flour, salt and pepper.
  3. Stir in the milk and cook until thickened
  4. Add the cheese stirring until the cheese is melted and then add the cooked/drained pasta to the cheese sauce.
  5. Grab a fork and dig in.

How easy was that?

Silver pot with butter and flour whisked together from TheSuburbanSoapbox.com
Milk mixture for Mac and cheese sauce in a silver saucepan with a blue whisk.
Cheddar Cheese being added to milk mixture for easy Mac and cheese recipe in a silver saucepan with a blue floral whisk from TheSuburbanSoapbox.com
Cheddar cheese being stirred into sauce mixture in a saucepan with a grater and wooden spatula from TheSuburbanSoapbox.com for the Easy Macaroni and cheese recipe

What Cheese To Use

Basically, any well melting cheese would work great in this macaroni and cheese recipe. I like to stick with a mild cheddar because it looks and tastes most like the box but it also melts incredibly well leaving you with the best creamy Mac and cheese recipe you’ll ever try.

I have used other cheeses in my Mac and cheese recipes like this Five Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese….it’s amazing but it’s not as quick to make plus the cheeses used are a bit more spendy than the cheddar used for this Easy Macaroni and Cheese.

How Long Does It Take

This easy Mac and cheese recipe is on the table in about 10-12 minutes. If you’re looking to make the whole recipe in one pot then it will take a bit longer, which is still about 15-16 minutes.

I like to make the cheese sauce while the pasta is cooking so I can get dinner on the table in a flash but if you’re not pressed for time and can spare and extra 8 minutes, then boil the pasta in the pot first. Drain and then make the cheese sauce in the same pot. Still quick, still easy, still creamy deliciousness!

Finished Mac and cheese recipe in a silver saucepan with a wooden spatula on a blue background

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve this Super Easy Macaroni and Cheese with a simple salad OR these Fish Nuggets. Sometimes we even like to mix in a bit of these stewed tomatoes.  I don’t know why but it totally reminds me of my childhood and so we still serve it that way now. We especially love it with this Salisbury Steak recipe!

It’s also FABULOUS in the school lunchbox (or mom’s lunchbox, for that matter!) stashed in a thermos so it stays hot until lunch. Which for my little guy is so early it’s like Brunch.

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover macaroni and cheese to an airtight container then refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or transfer to a saucepan with 1/4 cup milk and heat until creamy.

Make Ahead Instructions

To make Macaroni and cheese in the advance, follow the directions as stated in the recipe card adding an additional 1/4 cup milk. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, cover and refrigerator for up to 2 days.

When ready to cook, uncover and either bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until bubbling at 350˚F or heat in the microwave for 3 minutes, stirring halfway though the cooking time.

Easy Homemade macaroni and cheese in a blue thermos with dinosaurs on it and a fork digging in to take a bite

More Easy Pasta Recipes

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Get the Recipe: Easy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Yield: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ready in less than 15 minutes, this easy Mac and cheese recipe is made with just a few simple ingredients that are already in your kitchen! Better than the blue box.
5 from 9 votes
Print Recipe Rate Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb macaroni
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 1/2 cups low fat milk
  • 2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • 1 saucepan

Instructions 

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over medium high heat. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, approximately 8 minutes. 
  • While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk to combine. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until golden whisking constantly.
  • While whisking, slowly add the milk to the butter/flour mixture. Turn the heat to low. Bring the milk mixture to a simmer and continue cooking, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened, approximately 4-5 minutes.  DO NOT BOIL.
  • Stir the cheese into the milk mixture and remove from the heat. Continue stirring until the cheese is thoroughly combined. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Drain the pasta, do not rinse. Fold the macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
    Check for seasoning and add salt/pepper, if needed.
  • Serve immediately.

Video

YouTube video
Calories: 606kcal, Carbohydrates: 65g, Protein: 25g, Fat: 26g, Saturated Fat: 16g, Cholesterol: 77mg, Sodium: 410mg, Potassium: 352mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 810IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 476mg, Iron: 1.5mg
Author: Kellie
Course: Dinner, lunch
Cuisine: American