Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese

Name: Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 340 g (12 oz) elbow macaroni; 42 g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter; 24 g (3 tbsp) all-purpose flour; 600 mL (2 1/2 cups) milk; 225 g (2 cups) shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 60 g (1/2 cup) shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack; 3 g (1/2 tsp) salt; 1 g (1/2 tsp) garlic powder; 0.5 g (1/4 tsp) black pepper

Creamy stovetop macaroni and cheese with a smooth cheddar sauce.

By Simple Table Recipes · August 8, 2026

A dish of creamy macaroni and cheese with a golden cheddar top

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 20 min
Total: 30 min
Makes: 6 servings
Difficulty: Easy

Jump to Recipe Save on Pinterest

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 20 min
Total: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Difficulty: Easy

Save on Pinterest

Ingredients

340 g (12 oz) elbow macaroni
42 g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter
24 g (3 tbsp) all-purpose flour
600 mL (2 1/2 cups) milk
225 g (2 cups) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
60 g (1/2 cup) shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
3 g (1/2 tsp) salt
1 g (1/2 tsp) garlic powder
0.5 g (1/4 tsp) black pepper

Instructions

Step 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until just al dente, then drain.
Step 2. Return the empty pot to medium heat and melt the butter.
Step 3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Step 4. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly.
Step 5. Cook for 4-6 minutes, whisking often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 6. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cheddar, mozzarella, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Step 7. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 8. Add the drained macaroni and stir until evenly coated. Serve immediately.