• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Amanda Cooks & Styles
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Contact
  • Shop
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Contact
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Contact
    • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Blog » American

    Simple Mac and Cheese

    Published: Jan 31, 2020 · Modified: Feb 21, 2023 by Amanda Cooks & Styles · This post may contain affiliate links · 30 Comments

    • Share11
    • Tweet
    • Email

    Simple Mac and Cheese - Super easy and creamy macaroni and cheese recipe. Making a delicious mac and cheese at home from scratch has never been easier! This is the perfect side dish recipe and also a fun kid friendly meal!

    JUMP TO RECIPE
    simple mac and cheese

    My simple and creamy macaroni and cheese recipe is my go-to when making mac and cheese! It's a million times better than the boxed stuff and is so easy to make. This recipe is kid friendly and also super budget friendly.

    We like to serve ours with homemade meatloaf, grilled burgers, pot roast, veggies and so much more. I will link a few of my favorite meals that pair perfectly with this mac and cheese for you below.

    This recipe serves about four people. If you are cooking for a large crowd, simply double the recipe! Homemade mac and cheese also makes amazing leftovers. Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to two days.

    pinterest macaroni and cheese

    Ingredients that go into making my Simple Mac and Cheese recipe:

    Elbow Macaroni - You'll need a half pound of uncooked macaroni.

    Cheddar Cheese - I prefer sharp cheddar cheese but you can use your favorite cheddar cheese.

    Parmesan Cheese - Fresh grated parmesan cheese is best, but you can use whatever you have on hand.

    Milk - I used whole milk, but you can also use low fat or nut milk.

    Butter - Salted or unsalted butter both work great.

    Flour - All-purpose flour is best in this recipe.

    Mustard - I used regular yellow mustard but you can also use dijon or spicy mustard.

    Seasonings: Salt + Pepper + Paprika + Garlic Powder + Onion Powder

    Tools to have on hand for this recipe:

    • Saucepans One for the sauce and one for boiling macaroni.
    • Measuring Spoons and Cups - To properly measure all of your ingredients.
    • Cooking Spoon - To stir your sauce and mac while it cooks.
    • Cheese Grater - If you are shredding cheese off a block.
    • Colander - To drain your macaroni after cooking.
    creamy macaroni and cheese

    How to make a simple macaroni and cheese at home from scratch:

    Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

    In a medium saucepan, add the butter and slowly melt over low heat. Add flour to the melted butter and stir until well incorporated and mixture thickens.

    Turn burner up to medium heat and slowly add the milk, about a half cup at a time. Continue to stir the sauce until it begins to lightly simmer and thicken. Then, add seasonings and mustard.

    Remove sauce from heat and add the cheddar and parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted.

    Pour macaroni into cheese sauce and stir to combine. Enjoy!

    cheddar mac and cheese

    Main courses to serve with my delicious homemade mac and cheese:

    Chicken Tenders - Perfectly crunchy on the outside tender on the inside chicken tenders served with buffalo honey mustard and ranch dressing.

    BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs - Seasoned chicken thighs wrapped in thick cut bacon, basted in a sweet sauce and then grilled to crisp perfection.

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken -  My super easy slow cooker (crockpot) bbq pulled chicken recipe is made with a delicious homemade sweet and slightly spicy barbecue sauce. 

    Homemade Hand Dipped Corn Dogs - Perfectly sweet and crunchy homemade corn dogs just like Disneyland! 

    Slow Cooked Tender London Broil - This London broil recipe is super easy and delicious. It is slightly sweet with tons of flavor that melts in your mouth.

    parmesan mac and cheese

    A few more macaroni recipes I think you'll love:

    Cheeseburger Macaroni - This is an absolutely delicious Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger “copycat” recipe. My take on the classic is even better and super easy to make! A kid friendly meal that is sure to satisfy the whole family!

    Chipotle Macaroni and Cheese - This is the ultimate upgrade to your classic mac and cheese recipe made with spicy chipotle peppers and a buttery crunchy breadcrumb topping!

    Creamy Macaroni Salad - Super creamy and delicious Classic American Macaroni Salad is the perfect side dish for cookouts and picnics! Made with fresh peppers, onions, celery and pickle in a sweet creamy sauce.

    Baked Macaroni & Cheese - The creamiest, cheesiest mac and cheese baked to a golden perfection! What could be better? This baked macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. It goes great by itself or as a side dish!

    Simple Mac and Cheese

    Amanda Cooks & Styles
    Super easy and creamy macaroni and cheese recipe.
    4.98 from 48 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 people

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ lb. Elbow Macaroni
    • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese grated
    • 2 tablespoon Parmesan Cheese grated
    • 1 ¾ cups Milk
    • 3 tablespoon Butter
    • 2 tablespoon Flour
    • ½ teaspoon Mustard
    • ¼ teaspoon Salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon Pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon Paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
    • ¼ teaspoon Onion Powder

    Instructions
     

    • Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
    • In a medium saucepan, add the butter and slowly melt over low heat. Add flour to the melted butter and stir until well incorporated and mixture thickens.
    • Turn burner up to medium heat and slowly add the milk, about a half cup at a time. Continue to stir the sauce until it begins to lightly simmer and thicken. Then, add seasonings and mustard.
    • Remove sauce from heat and add the cheddar and parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted.
    • Pour macaroni into cheese sauce and stir to combine. Enjoy!
    Keyword best macaroni and cheese recipe, creamy mac and cheese, easy macaroni and cheese, simple mac and cheese
    Tried this recipe?LET US KNOW how it was!

    More American

    • Bacon Blue Cheese Burger
    • Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
    • Pepperoncini "Mississippi" Pot Roast
    • No Knead Artisan Bread

    Follow along on INSTAGRAM for more delicious recipes!

    Follow along on PINTEREST for more delicious recipes!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. TAMARA

      August 26, 2023 at 11:55 am

      5 stars
      Amazing!!

      Reply
    2. Dru

      June 21, 2023 at 9:45 pm

      4 stars
      Quick and easy side dish. Kids loved it!

      Reply
    3. Katie Fletcher

      May 20, 2023 at 9:37 am

      If I'm making this a day in advance how would you reheat it?

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        May 23, 2023 at 6:42 am

        Hi Katie, On the stovetop over low heat, you may need to add a little bit of milk to loosen it up. :)Amanda

        Reply
    4. Laura

      February 20, 2023 at 4:22 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe. Easy and delicious. I just want to know if anyone thinks that the five minute prep time is actually doable! It takes me longer than that to gather the ingredients, not to mention grating the cheese! lol

      Reply
    5. Courtney

      November 23, 2022 at 9:13 am

      Does this call for salted or unsalted butter?

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        November 27, 2022 at 6:26 am

        You can use either one 🙂

        Reply
    6. Courtney

      November 11, 2022 at 2:25 pm

      Will this stay smooth on a crockpot for a party?

      Reply
    7. Stephany

      September 19, 2022 at 7:52 am

      Is that 1/2 lb cooked or uncooked?

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        September 19, 2022 at 9:32 am

        Hi Stephany, Uncooked. Step 1 of the recipe will tell you to cook the macaroni according to your package instructions. :)Amanda

        Reply
    8. PegP

      June 18, 2022 at 12:28 pm

      5 stars
      I tried this recipe because my go-to recipe that I always use called for Velveeta, and I didn't have any (and was too lazy to run to the store to get some more). I am glad I did. This is now my new go-to mac-n-cheese recipe. I was hesitant at first because it called for mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder and my kiddo is a super picky eater. But I put them in anyway. I didn't add the paprika, but that was only because I forgot it.

      I loved this mac and cheese. I wanted seconds, and that's not something I usually do. And my super picky eater said she really liked it and that she wants this same one next time I make mac and cheese.

      I'd give it 10 stars if I could. It's super easy and really yummy. Added bonus is that you don't have to heat up your oven to make it, which is always appreciated in the summer.

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        June 19, 2022 at 5:25 am

        Hi there!! Thank you so much for the kind review!! I am so happy you enjoyed this recipe :)Amanda

        Reply
      • Lyndsy

        November 23, 2022 at 8:31 am

        Can this be made a day in advance?

        Reply
        • Amanda Cooks & Styles

          November 27, 2022 at 6:27 am

          Yes 🙂

          Reply
    9. taylor

      January 21, 2022 at 11:41 am

      Can this recipe be frozen after cooking? I like to double recipes and stash one in the freezer for easy meals later in the month.

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        January 26, 2022 at 8:55 am

        Hi Taylor, You can freeze it. When reheating you will need to add a few tablespoons of milk to make it creamy again. Reheat over low heat on stove.:)Amanda

        Reply
    10. Michelle W.

      October 21, 2021 at 6:59 am

      5 stars
      I made this for the first time when my 7 year old niece came over for a play date. All we kept saying between mouthfuls was, "umm, SOO GOOD!"

      Super quick, easy and most importantly delicious!

      Reply
    11. B Kantorowicz

      October 09, 2021 at 4:08 pm

      My 4 year old granddaughter loves Mac & Cheese - she really likes this dish! I love that it's fresh & not from a box! This is a keeper recipe.

      Reply
    12. Jamie D

      September 19, 2021 at 11:05 am

      Made this last nite for a dinner side. AWESOME! My husband Lived it! Without a lot of time to cook although I love to it’s nice to find a really good quick and easy recipe that doesn’t come out of a box! Thanks Amanda

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        September 20, 2021 at 6:16 am

        Thank you Jamie!! I'm so happy you and your husband loved it! :)Amanda

        Reply
    13. Katie

      August 14, 2021 at 9:11 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! Really good and easy. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        August 19, 2021 at 7:27 am

        Hi Katie! Thank you for the review. I'm so happy you enjoyed it 🙂

        Reply
    14. Genise

      April 20, 2021 at 9:18 pm

      5 stars
      Very easy to make and it tasted delicious

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        May 02, 2021 at 9:10 am

        Hi Genise! Thank you! I am so happy you enjoyed it! 🙂

        Reply
    15. Hannah

      February 12, 2021 at 11:24 am

      Would unsweetened almond milk work in this?

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        February 12, 2021 at 12:21 pm

        Hi Hannah! It may give it a slightly different flavor but should be just fine! :)Amanda

        Reply
      • Brenda

        December 12, 2021 at 2:05 pm

        I used the unsweetened almond milk and it’s STILL good!!

        Reply
    16. J

      August 09, 2020 at 9:19 am

      This may be a silly question, but what kind of mustard? Dry mustard, yellow mustard, Dijon? First timer over here! Thanks in advance!

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        August 09, 2020 at 9:22 am

        Hi J! Regular yellow mustard works best in this recipe, but you can also use dijon or stone ground mustard as well. 🙂

        Reply
    17. Ashley Estrada

      April 23, 2020 at 1:51 am

      5 stars
      the PERFECT mac n cheese!! So simple and delish.

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    FREE: RECIPES SENT WEEKLY! ​
    + 5 SECRETS TO ELEVATE YOUR GRILLING GAME!
    Featured Image
    We never share your information with third parties and will protect it in accordance with our Privacy Policy

    Hi, I'm Amanda! Here you will find simple and delicious family friendly recipes. Thanks for stopping by!

    Categories

    Follow Along

    • Mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Family Favorite Recipes

    • Blackened Chicken Alfredo
    • Easy General Tso's Chicken Recipe
    • Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
    • Spicy Sausage Rigatoni
    • White Chicken Lasagna Rolls
    • Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole
    • Chile Colorado Burritos
    • Chicken pot pie soup in bowl
      Chicken Pot Pie Soup

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Follow Along

    • Mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Amanda Cooks & Styles