Best Mac and Cheese – homemade in 5 simple steps! Tender pasta in the creamiest, cheese sauce. Recipe includes tips and step by step instructions for the perfect stovetop or baked Mac and Cheese. Easy classic recipe, ready in 30 minutes from scratch.

saucepan with spoon showing mac and cheese

Mac and Cheese is one of my favorite classics – creamy, cheesy, tender elbow macaroni … cozy and comforting all year. It’s ideal on a cold snowy day or served up with your favorite barbecue.

I’ve tested it literally dozens of times until I found just the right combination of cheeses and type of milk.

So whether you like yours right from the stove or baked with crispy, buttery breadcrumbs – this recipe is one you’re going to want to try.

best mac and cheese in a white casserole dish topped with golden breadcrumbs

Why you’ll love this recipe:

Just 6 simple ingredients (plus spices) – ready in 30 minutes.
I’ve made this dozens of times – lots of trial and error – until I cracked the code on the creamiest cheese sauce.
Using evaporated milk gives it a creamier, more stable creamy cheese sauce.
Ultimate cheese combo flavor – classic sharp cheddar with a light smoky flavor from the Gouda.
Kids of all ages love this recipe.
Great anytime – 4th of July, fall holidays, Christimas dinner.

Ingredients needed for homemade Mac and Cheese:

dry elbow macaroni
butter
all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 xx ounce cans evaporated milk
6 ounces white or yellow sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
2 ounces smoked Gouda cheese (freshly grated)
1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)

Optional ingredients for Baked Mac and Cheese:

2 tablespoons butter melted + another tablespoon butter to grease baking dish
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

How to make 3 Cheese Mac and Cheese:

You’re just 5 steps away from this delicious Mac and Cheese:

Grate the cheese.
Cook the macaroni.
Make the roux.
Add milk and cheese.
Stir in cooked macaroni.

Grate the cheeses and set it aside.

Bring a pot of water to a boil then add a generous pinch of salt (about a tablespoon). Cook pasta per package directions then drain and set aside. NOTE: if you’re going to bake the Mac and Cheese, slightly undercook the pasta – about 1 minute shy of al dente.

To a medium saucepan melt butter. Sprinkle flour over the top and cook 1 minute whisking until it’s smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder and paprika and give it a good stir.

Slowly pour in milk, continuing to whisk until it’s blended then bring to a boil. Reduce to low heat and simmer 2 minutes letting it thicken.

Turn off the heat and slowly add cheeses, gently stirring until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your preference.

Add pasta, stirring until it’s well coated then eat right away.

How to make Baked Mac and Cheese:

In a small bowl, blend melted butter and bread crumbs. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Grease an approximately 9×9″ baking dish with a tablespoon of softened butter.

Transfer cooked Mac and Cheese (from above) to the baking dish. Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs over the top. Bake 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted. Optional: broil for extra crispy bread crumbs – watch closely so they don’t burn.

NOTE: don’t overbake the Mac and Cheese or it’ll soak up all the cheesy sauce.

Tips for making Macaroni and Cheese:

Grate your own cheese from a block – skip the pre-shredded cheese. It has ingredients that don’t let it melt smoothly.
Grate the cheese first and let it set on the counter to come to room temp.
Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking. The recipe goes fast.
Be sure to use evaporated milk (not condensed milk which is sweet).

Subs and variations:

bowl of loaded mac and cheese with spoonful lifted out

Try different cheeses – use all sharp cheddar – yellow or white, colby or even swiss.
Add bacon or even hot sauce.
Use different combos – cheddar and gruyere – or cheddar with any melty cheese
Stove top or bake with crispy bread crumb topping.
Swap any breadcrumbs for panko bread crumb topping.

What to serve with Macaroni and Cheese:

More Mac and Cheese recipes:

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Loaded Mac and Cheese

Broccoli Cheddar Mac (Panera copycat)

Pesto Chicken Mac and Cheese

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese (+ corn and bacon)

Enjoy!