Macaroni and Cheese with Cheddar is the ultimate comfort food—a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. This classic recipe features perfectly cooked macaroni enveloped in a rich cheddar cheese sauce, creating a gooey, flavorful meal that has delighted generations.
Homemade macaroni and cheese is far superior to boxed versions because you can control the cheese quality, seasoning, and texture. The sharpness of cheddar paired with creamy sauce makes it a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or comfort food cravings.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly balanced. The cheddar provides rich flavor without overpowering the pasta, while the creamy sauce clings to every macaroni piece. It’s a nostalgic dish that’s easy to make yet feels indulgent every time.
Why This Is a Must-Try Dish
- Classic comfort food loved by all ages
- Creamy, cheesy, and rich with cheddar flavor
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Perfect for family meals, potlucks, or holiday sides
- Customizable with add-ins like bacon, vegetables, or breadcrumbs
Recipe Overview
Course: Main Dish / Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Calories (approx.): 450 calories per serving
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional for color and flavor)
For Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Cooking Directions
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce.
- Optional: Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes until golden on top.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Bring water to a boil in a large pot, add salt, and cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce Base
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a smooth paste (roux) and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Step 3: Add Milk
Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened, creating a creamy base for the cheese.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning
Add shredded cheddar, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir until every piece is coated.
Step 6: Optional Baking Step
Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
How to Serve
Serve hot as a main course or side dish. Garnish with extra shredded cheddar, parsley, or a sprinkle of paprika. Pair with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Recipe Tips
- Use sharp cheddar for more flavorful mac and cheese
- Avoid overcooking pasta to prevent mushy texture
- Whisk milk slowly into the roux to prevent lumps
- Add a pinch of mustard powder for extra depth of flavor
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for a crispier topping
Variations
Bacon Mac and Cheese
Add crispy bacon bits into the pasta before baking.
Vegetable Mac and Cheese
Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or roasted vegetables for a nutritious twist.
Spicy Mac and Cheese
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for a kick.
Four Cheese Mac and Cheese
Combine cheddar with mozzarella, parmesan, and gouda for extra richness.
Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese
Use gluten-free pasta and flour alternatives to make it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Freezing and Storage
Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
- Freeze baked mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large pot for pasta
- Saucepan for cheese sauce
- Whisk
- Baking dish (if baking with topping)
- Oven (optional for baked version)
Conclusion
Macaroni and Cheese with Cheddar is the ultimate comfort dish that is creamy, cheesy, and satisfying in every bite. Homemade mac and cheese allows you to control the ingredients, texture, and flavor, producing a superior dish to store-bought alternatives. Whether served as a cozy weeknight dinner, a side for gatherings, or a nostalgic indulgence, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves rich, cheesy goodness.
Macaroni and Cheese with Cheddar
Description
Macaroni and Cheese with Cheddar is the ultimate comfort food—a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. This classic recipe features perfectly cooked macaroni enveloped in a rich cheddar cheese sauce, creating a gooey, flavorful meal that has delighted generations.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
For the Cheese Sauce
For Topping (Optional)
Instructions
-
Cook the Macaroni : Bring water to a boil in a large pot, add salt, and cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Make the Cheese Sauce Base : In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a smooth paste (roux) and cook for 1–2 minutes.
-
Add Milk : Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened, creating a creamy base for the cheese.
-
Add Cheese and Seasoning : Add shredded cheddar, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
-
Combine Pasta and Sauce : Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir until every piece is coated.
-
Optional Baking Step : Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
