Creamy Mac and Cheese
This Creamy Mac and Cheese takes just minutes to prepare on the stovetop, contains two types of cheese, and is creamy, hearty, and delicious!
Even though winter and I aren’t the best of friends, it does bring me joy within the kitchen.
Sounds strange, but the cold weather gives me the perfect excuse to whip up some delicious and hearty meals. Not that I don’t do this in the warmer months, but with the weather being frigid, I get creative with those foods that warm you right up and make you forget about the cold and snow.
While no bean chili and soup rank right up there with some of my favorite dishes, some other meals that scream comfort food are this chicken pesto pasta and spinach and mushroom pasta. Can you tell that I’m a sucker for decadent pasta dishes?
And nothing screams comfort food more than those dishes and this creamy mac and cheese.
Since I’m all about foods that take just minutes to prepare during the week, while accompanying that comfort food appeal, homemade creamy mac and cheese was the first food that I thought of.
Ingredients for Creamy Mac and Cheese
Want to know the secret to making super creamy cheese sauce for mac and cheese? Heavy cream! And good quality cheese, of course. Yep, I made this mac and cheese with heavy cream because when I make mac and cheese I go all out!
To make this homemade creamy mac and cheese, you’ll need the following:
- Cavatappi shells
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper
- Milk
- Heavy whipping cream
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Creamy Mac and Cheese
It’s incredibly easy to make creamy stovetop mac and cheese, provided you use the right ingredients and ratios. Here are the basic steps for making the creamiest mac and cheese:
- Cook the noodles to al dente, drain and set aside.
- Now comes the fun part, making the creamy cheese sauce. Melt some butter in a large pot and then whisk in some flour, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly add in some heavy cream and milk, cooking until it bubbles. We’re going for rich and creamy macaroni and cheese, so the heavy cream is necessary!
- Then reduce the heat to low and add in some shredded sharp cheddar cheese and shredded mozarella cheese.
- Stir until melted and then add the cavatappi noodles to pot. Stir until the noodles are coated and then let sit for 5 minutes to thicken up.
How to Reheat Mac and Cheese
If you wind up with leftovers of this creamy mac and cheese recipe, I recommend reheating them in a saucepan with a splash of milk or cream. Pop the lid onto the saucepan and reheat over low heat so the pasta doesn’t dry out.
Can You Freeze Mac and Cheese?
Absolutely! This homemade creamy mac and cheese freezes well. I recommend freezing this stovetop mac and cheese in small containers so you can thaw one serving at a time.
What’s the Best Pasta for Mac and Cheese?
I chose to use cavatappi noodles, as I love the shape and thickness of them. But feel free to use whatever type of noodle you have on hand.
Recipe Variations to Try
This recipe for creamy mac and cheese is perfect as is, but you can switch up the ingredients as desired. Here are some variations you can try the next time you make this recipe:
- Use gluten-free pasta. It’s easy to swap out the regular pasta for a gluten-free version!
- Add veggies. Trying to sneak more vegetables into your diet? Stir in frozen (thawed) peas, sautéed veggies, you name it!
- Add bacon. Cooked, crumbled bacon takes this ultra creamy mac and cheese over the top.
- Use different cheeses. I typically pair one flavorful cheese (cheddar) with one super melty cheese (mozzarella). Use what you have on hand.
- Use all milk. Don’t have heavy cream on hand or don’t want to use it? Just use all milk! Keep in mind that omitting the heavy cream will result in a less creamy cheese sauce.
What to Serve with Mac and Cheese
Enjoy your super creamy mac and cheese as a main, or serve it as a side. Here are some of my favorite dishes to pair with homemade mac and cheese:
- Honey Garlic Chicken Legs
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Panini
- Lemon Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
- Slow Cooker Barbecue Pulled Pork
- Baked Salsa Chicken
- Honey Balsamic Chicken
- Ham and Avocado Open-Faced Sandwich
Tips for Making Stovetop Mac and Cheese
- I prefer using a blend of shredded cheddar and mozzarella in my creamy stovetop mac and cheese, but you’re welcome to use any cheese you have on hand.
- To add more flavor to this mac ‘n cheese, I like to add 2 teaspoons of garlic powder and a dash of paprika or ground nutmeg.
- Looking for a more distinct cheesy taste? Use ¼ cup of shredded Parmesan or cheddar jack cheese, ¾ cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar.
- Note that you can use any milk you’d like in this homemade mac and cheese recipe. If you use a non-dairy milk, double check that it’s unsweetened and unflavored first.
This creamy stovetop mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food meal, friends! So perfect for a cold winter night when you want something quick, easy, and delicious!
Looking for more side dish recipes? I’ve got you covered!
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mac & Cheese
- Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
- Roasted Maple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes
- Roasted Lemon Parmesan Asparagus
- Roasted Mushrooms with Garlic and Rosemary
- Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Video Tutorial
Creamy Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound cavatappi shells
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup milk, , any kind (I used 2%)
- 1¼ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook noodles in boil water until al dente, per packaged directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium pot, melt butter. Then whisk in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking until combined. Heat mixture until it bubbles over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low and add in cheeses. Stir until melted. Add pasta to cheese mixture and toss to combine. If mixture is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons more milk and go from there.
- Let macaroni and cheese sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Notes
- To add more flavor to this mac 'n cheese, I like to add 2 teaspoons of garlic powder and a dash of paprika or ground nutmeg.
- Looking for a more distinct cheesy taste? Use ¼ cup of shredded Parmesan or cheddar jack cheese, ¾ cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar.
- See my tips and tricks for making this Creamy Macaroni and Cheese above the recipe box.
**Recipe from 1/2015. Photos updated 8/2020**
Wow. The creaminess of the sauce is just show stopping! I saw the pic first and immediately wanted mac n’ cheese at 6 AM!
Thanks, Mir! I think it’s breakfast-approved, right?! 🙂
Hi! I just saw this on pinterest and it looks deliscous and simple enough. I want to make it but im not sure what “heavy cream” is. Im not the best cook.. pardon me. Is there a product labled heavy cream? What kind of cream? Where in the grocery isle will i find such cream
Hi Kiti! Heavy cream is also referred to as heavy whipping cream. You can find it near the milk, coffee creamer, and whipped cream in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. I usually buy half pints, but they also sell them by the half gallon, too. Hope this helps and you hope love this if you try it. Thanks for stopping by!
I made this yesterday and it was so simple to make and delicious!!!! This was by far the best mac and cheese I’ve had! Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Kiti! I really appreciate you letting me know how this turned out. Hope you have a great day!
Your stove top Mac and Cheese appears to be easier than my recipe that called for baking in the oven. Since my husband is gluten intolerant I would substitute a GF macaroni, but can I thicken the milk and cream mixture with Cornstarch instead of flour?
Thank you,
Carla
Hi Carla! Yes, cornstarch would work in place of flour. Hope you enjoy!
Sorry for putting a reply on youhr comet but I don’t know how to make a new comment. So to my question, is there anything I can use besides heavy whipping cream that will still work just as good
Hi Mekleet! You could use milk, I would try either 2% or whole milk. It won’t be as thick, but should be just as good. Hope you enjoy and thanks for stopping by!
Gayle, this mac n cheese looks divine! I’m loving the thought of savoring it on a cold, winter Monday, thanks for sharing! I have a recipe that I’m used in the past that I love, but it has a couple of sticks of butter in that, and let’s face it, that’s gonna send me right to the gym. Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks, Laura! This recipe isn’t healthy by any means, but I do like that it doesn’t call for too much butter. But…the heavy cream and cheese sorta make up for that! 🙂
I don’t know why, but I can see the ingredients but I can’t see the recipe how to make it.. What do I have to do to see this?
Hi Axelle! The directions are right below the ingredients in the box towards the bottom of the recipe. I’ve included them here for you, just incase. Hope you love this if you try it, and thanks for stopping by!
In a large pot, cook noodles in boil water until al dente, per packaged directions. Drain and set aside.
In a medium pot, melt butter. Then whisk in flour, salt, and pepper.
Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking until combined.
Heat mixture until it bubbles over medium heat.
Reduce heat to low and add in cheeses. Stir until melted.
Add pasta to cheese mixture and toss to combine.
Let macaroni and cheese sit for five minutes to thicken.
Serve with your favorite Marie Callender’s pot pie.
Enjoy!
I can never resist the creamy goodness of mac and cheese! And with that chicken pot pie is the perfect pair. I will probably be craving this all day now!
Mac ‘n cheese and a pot pie are the perfect pair, right?! Thanks, Ashley!
Is there anything better than creamy mac ‘n cheese on a cold day? I don’t think so!! This looks heavenly!
Thank you, Annie! Definitely perfect comfort food.
I’ve been making tons of comfort food this month too (and trying to balance it with salads and smoothies!). Nothing beats Mac and Cheese in the winter months!
Thanks, Liz! I don’t eat mac ‘n cheese too often, but it definitely is great for the winter!
I love mac n cheese! Before I started eating vegan I made mine very much like yours. So creamy and rich. Fortunately I’ve figured out how to make a vegan version that’s actually really good! My husband and son will be at your house for dinner at 6:00 pm, does that work? 🙂
Your vegan version sounds delicious, Linda! I will have to try taht out! Haha send your family right over! 🙂
Y’all. I’ve tried to make mac n cheese at home mannnny times and this is by far the best tasting and simplistic to make! Highly recommend!!
I’m so glad to hear that, Kelly! Thanks so much for letting me know how it turned out!
I love mac and cheese, it is just perfect for winter! And the pot pies look delicious, too! Pinned!
Thanks for the kind words and pin, Mira!
This is my ultimate comfort meal. Look at all the cheesiness. I have just had lunch, but I could so eat all of this right now.
Definitely the perfect comfort food meal! Thanks, Dannii!
I am all about comfort food during the winter so this mac and cheese is perfect! 🙂
Thanks, Renee!
I would love a bowl of this mac and cheese. I believe it’s the all time comfort food. And it’s necessary on cold winter days!
Mac ‘n cheese is so good in the winter, especially with all of the cheesy goodness! Thanks, Jen!
That mac and cheese. I have no words. Cavatappi is my favorite noodle, too, and works perfectly with creamy mac! Ugh, Gayle I’m OBSESSED.
Thanks, Sarah! So glad you share my love of cavatappi noodles, too!
This macaroni and cheese looks so creamy and thick! Perfect comfort food!
Thanks, Kelley!
Oh man, Marie Calandar’s pot pies were an absolute STAPLE in my house when I was growing up! I swear, my mom and I would fight over them ;). So delicious! And this creamy mac and cheese to go with it? GIRL! You are killing it 😉
Aren’t they the best? I just love pot pies when the weather gets colder. Thanks for the mac ‘n cheese love, Christine!
Is the flour supposed to be 3/4 cup or is that a mistake? I sgarted making it like that but could immediately see that wasn’t going to work so restarted and used 3 tablespoons of flour. Once I made that cha ge it turned out perfect, creamy and delicious. I used a blend of parmesan, mozzarella and cheddar and it was perfect. We also topped with crushed cheezit crackers and baked for 15 minutes.
Megan, it’s supposed to be that amount, as you add 2 1/4 cup of liquid to that. Glad you enjoyed!
This mac and cheese looks perfectly creamy and delicious. I don’t think there’s any better comfort food than mac and cheese!
I totally agree! Thanks, Christin!
I make mac and cheese, similarly to the way my dear, late son in law made lasagna. Don’t boil the macaroni, elbow or whatever pasta you choose. The cheese, cream and 2% milk soften the noodles as they bake. You will have to bake this dish about an hour at 350 degrees, check for tenderness of noodles, they should be al dente.
Good idea, Carla!
So creamy, I love mac n cheese Gayle and this looks delicious! It’s the ultimate comfort food 🙂
Thanks, Manali!
This looks absolutely PERFECT! Mac and Cheese is my BFF and my nemesis all in one. And I pink puffy heart Marie Callender’s!
Marie Callender’s and mac ‘n cheese make the best meal! Thanks, Dorothy!
Gayle!! oh my gawd, yes!! this is absolute perfect comfort food to me!!! Marie Callender’s pot pies and this Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese = perfection, esp on a cold winter day like today! it’s snowing. . a lot!!
Thanks, Alice!
YUM!! I’m with ya!! I love soup and chilly…and this looks amazing!! 🙂 What a great recipe! YUM!
Thanks, Cailee! It’s one of my favorites!
It’s snowing right now and all I want is a big bowl of this creamy mac & cheese and the pot pie! I am a sucker for Marie Callender’s too! This is totally the ultimate comfort meal!
Thanks, Kelly! I’ve been craving this mac ‘n cheese all day, too!
I can’t even handle the creaminess of this pasta!!! I would do anything for a bowl of this right now!!
The creaminess is the best part! Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by, Nicole!
Gayle this mac n cheese rocks!!!!
Thanks, Kathy!
Ahhh this looks beyond amazing! I want some NOW 🙂 Pinned!
Thanks for the kind words and pin, Medha!
That Mac looks so cheesy! Yum! It’s the ultimate comfort food for sure. Perfect for blizzards!
Thanks, Bri!
That is the most decadent and enticing mac n cheese! Totally craving this right now in the worst way. Last I checked, carbs at 10pm are fine!!!! 🙂
Carbs at 10pm is totally fine, Sarah! I said so! 🙂
I’ve been craving mac n cheese like crazy these days and this one looks so creamy and delicious! I’m also a sucker for pot pie 🙂 It is supposed to rain all day tomorrow and I’m thinking that it will have me craving some comfort food!
Mac ‘n cheese is the ultimate comfort food! Thanks, Izzy!
There is just NOTHING better than comfort food! Especially chicken pot pie and mac and cheese — they look amazing!
Thanks, Ashley!
That mac and cheese is so creamy and cheesy looking! And I love Marie Callendar’s pot pies, they’re amazing. So fast and so good. I’ve never actually made my own mac and cheese though, i’ll need to try this one!
This mac ‘n cheese is so easy to make, Stacey! I think you would love it!
I am such a sucker for super-creamy, ultra-cheesy mac ‘n’ cheese and you have definitely delivered all of that here! I loooove that this is made on the stovetop and did I mention that I am totally drooling here?! Gorgeous, Gayle!
Thanks, Sarah! Creamy mac ‘n cheese is my all-time favorite, too!
Macaroni and cheese has been one of my No. 1 pregnancy cravings — I just can’t get enough! This version looks delicious. I have a big ol’ bag of Swiss cheese I’ve been meaning to use up . . . along with some cheddar. Might have to give this a whirl this week!
Such a good craving to have, Meg! 🙂 I hope you love this if you try it!
That mac and cheese looks to die for! I love homemade mac. And with that chicken pot pie – what a yummy meal!
Thank you, Lindsay!
Oh my goodness Gayle!! This creamy stovetop mac and cheese looks too good for words!! Your pictures are absolutely stunning! I love easy one pot meals like this – perfect during this time of year 🙂 Hope your week is off to a great week! Pinning 😀
Thanks so much, Ceara! This dish definitely turned out good, I’ve mad it twice since last week! 🙂
This is truly comfort food at it’s best. This looks fantastic
I completely agree! Thanks! 🙂
Looks so delicious and comforting bowl of heaven! I love stove-top macaroni and cheese, easy and ready in no time! Good recipe, Gayle! thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Savita! I love the stovetop kind too, so easy to prepare and so delicious!
This looks heavenly. And now you made me miss Macaroni and Cheese!
Thanks, Olivia!
Creamy mac and cheese along with pot pie? Now that sounds like pure comfort food! Looks wonderful!
Definitely the perfect comfort food, Ashley! Thanks!
I love me some homemade mac and cheese!!!! This looks seriously sinful and perfectly creamy and cheesy! LOVE!
Thanks, Lindsey! It’s the cheesiest mac ‘n cheese!
I’m a mac ‘n cheese girl all the way, and this really does look SO creamy! This would be great in the summer time too when you don’t want the oven on. Delicious!
Thanks, Marcie! Yes, this would be wonderful in the summer, too!
Love Mac ‘N Cheese! This one seriously looks SO creamy and delicious! I’m trying to be healthy for the New Year but you’re making it awfully hard!! 😛
Thanks, Jess! I know, I’m having trouble staying on the healthy track, too!
That looks amazing!! I really could eat mac and cheese at every meal. I love it that much! And paired with a pot pie? Heavenly! #client
Thank you, Sarah! This mac ‘n cheese was perfect alongside a pot pie!
could we have more vegies in the pot pies – potatoes in chicken pie would also be nice
You could definitely add your own, Doris! Sounds delicious!
a little Mrs dash tastes great in mac and cheese
Great idea, Genie! Thanks for stopping by!
I love Marie’s pot pies, but I can’t justify the fat grams…I have to “diet” all day to really enjoy them. Can’t wait to try the mac and cheese recipe…love creaminess.
I think you will love this mac ‘n cheese, Nancy! It’s creamy and rich, but so worth it! Thanks so much for stopping by!
It’s a great base, but a bit tasteless. Wish there was a way to make the cheese stand out. It’s so bland. The babies like it though so that’s a + in its favor.
I’m sorry you found it bland, Amy! It was very flavorful for me. You could always add in some garlic powder (my favorite seasoning), italian seasoning, or some mustard powder to liven it up a bit if you’re looking for more spice.
I love Mac and Cheese; I see fat!!!!! Oh! to be able to eat this…hummmm..
It’s definitely delicious, though not the healthiest, Edi! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
My wife & I made this tonight and it was so easy and sooo GOOD. Thank you for a great receipt!
Hi Toby! I am so glad that you and your wife enjoyed this mac ‘n cheese. It’s my favorite dish, too! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Trying this out tonight. Need a good warm comfort meal after all this CT snow.
I hope you love this if you try, Maggie! Stay warm! 🙂
We are not crazy about mac n cheese since I can’t make it fit to eat but this looks like I could do. Am going to try. Thanks.
I think you will love this mac n’ cheese, Deniece! Thanks for stopping by and please let me know how it turns out!
I love this option for the summer times. Who wants to fire up the oven when it’s hot out. NOT ME! Thank You!
I definitely prefer cooking on the stovetop when it’s hot outside, too! Thanks for stopping by, Donna! Hope you enjoy this recipe!
I only have about a cup of heavy cream. Should I just up my milk, to make up for that 1/4 cup?
Hi Kat! Yes, using milk to make up for the rest should be just fine. I hope you love this recipe!
Just got done making (and eating!) this. IT WAS AMAZING! I did sub a little more milk in, did about 3/4 cup of sharp cheddar, 3/4 cup of mild cheddar, and 2 slices of American cheese. It was so good. Yummy, filling, and just a perfect lunch for fall. May even cook some fish for dinner and use the leftovers as a side!
Thanks for sharing this!
I’m so glad you liked it, Kat! It’s a favorite in my household, too. Thanks so much for trying out the recipe and letting me know how it turned out. Enjoy your Sunday! 🙂
Wow! Really good mac and cheese! I ended up tossing it in a casserole pan, topping with panko crumbs and baking for 15 minutes. Definitely a keeper! Even my 18 month old son, the carb snob, scoffed this down! I think this will replace my usual mac and cheese recipe!
Thank you for the kind words, Jayne! I’m so glad you and your son liked this. I will have to try topping it with bread crumbs and baking it the next time I make this. Sounds delicious! Thanks for stopping by!
we loved this!!! It was a meal in itself. THIS is why I just can’t bring myself to make or consume the box stuff!! In the same amount of time it takes to make the other you can have this OOOOOHHHH soooo much better version. Thanks for posting. Pinned!!
I am so happy that this mac ‘n cheese turned out well for you! It’s a favorite of mine too. Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out! 🙂
Salted or unsalted butter?!
On my way to get the ingredients LOL
Hi Anita! I used unsalted butter in here. Hope you like this if you try it!
What about using half & half instead of milk and heavy cream?
Hi Michelle! I’ve never tried using half & half in this recipe, so I’m not sure how it would turn out and can’t say how good it would be. You could definitely try it, as it’s in between milk and heavy cream. Hope you love it!
Tastes amazing! If you want a bit more of a kick add paprika or garlic salt!!
Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by, Lily! I’m so glad you liked this mac ‘n cheese. It’s my favorite! And thank you for the tip about adding paprika or garlic salt…I’m definitely going to try that the next time I make this!
I made this tonight and while the texture and creaminess was perfect, my family and myself thought it was rather bland and lacking in flavor. I plan on making it again but with a stronger cheese, perhaps something smoked.
Hi Samantha! I’m sorry that your family thought it was bland. A stronger cheese or more spices might definitely help with that. Thanks for letting me know!
Deliciously. And so easy to make. I just used milk and came out fine plus halved recipe. Thanks love your blog.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe! It’s one of my favorites. Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out!
For some reason, mine came out very “floury”- it ended up looking like batter. I dont know if that was due to the flour or what.
Hi Mariya! I’m so sorry to hear that! I’ve never had a problem with the flour before. It’s important to whisk it so that it’s thoroughly combined. Have a great day!
Can you make this ahead of time and serve later? (Even let sit overnight) any suggestions? Want to make this for a party but it’s not until tomorrow.
Hi Ginny! I’ve never made this and let it sit, so I’m honestly not sure how it would turn out. If you made the dish ahead of time, the sauce might get gloppy, but again, I’m not sure. Sorry I can’t give you a better answer. Thanks for stopping by!
My son and nephew were asking for Mac and cheese this morning and I didn’t have any in the pantry (yes, twice a month I make them KD). I’ve tried many mac and cheese recipes and didn’t love any of them so I starting searching for another recipe to try. I came across your recipe and loved the simplicity of it so I decided to give it a go. IT.WAS.A-MA-ZING.!!! Never before have I found a recipe that I didn’t have to tweak in some way or add more flavor. This recipe is absolute perfection and my days of searching for the best mac and cheese recipe are over!
Hi, Dar! I am SO happy to hear that you all loved this mac ‘n cheese! It’s one of my favorites, too! Thank you so much for letting me know and for stopping by!
This is literally the best I’ve ever had. Maybe add a little nutmeg to the cheese sauce, but otherwise it’s perfection!
Thank you so much for letting me know, Teal! Nutmeg is a great suggestion and I’m going to try that the next time I make this. Thanks for stopping by!
Is it 1 and 1/4 cups of heavy cream?
Hi, Nicole! Yes, 1 and 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Hope you enjoy!
My boyfriend has been requesting Mac & Cheese, so I found this recipe and made it last night. It was amazing, I used elbow noodles since I already had them in my pantry and added a bit more cheese. We love cheese! It was delicious! Thanks for the recipe, I will be saving it 🙂
I’m so glad you both loved this, Tabetha! It’s a favorite of mine too. And yes to more cheese! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by to let me know how it turned out!
I just made this Mac and cheese and it smells so good. I didn’t have mozzarella cheese, so I used Gouda and oh my goodness, such a scrumptious smell.
I didn’t have heavy cream either and just used whole milk instead.
Hi Cherie! I’m so glad you liked this mac ‘n cheese! Your substitutions sound wonderful, especially the gouda! Thanks for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out!
I cant wait to make this!!! 🙂
One question though. While we let the mac and cheese sit for 5 minutes is that on or off the burner?
Hi Julianne! Great question…remove from heat and let it sit off the burner to thicken up. Hope you enjoy this and thanks for stopping by!
i dnt have heavy cream, can i just used milk to replace the heavy cream?
Hi Bridget! You can definitely use milk in place of the cream, the sauce may just be a bit thinner. Hope you enjoy and thanks for stopping by!
I was craving some mac and cheese and normally I use the box stuff since I’ve rarely had success with home made recipes but this sounded even easy enough for me to try. Mind you, when I went to read the comments to see about how well it did or didn’t work, I nearly gave up and moved on – the posts were inundated with “must try” “love mac and cheese” “pinning for later” “have to try”….that is soo freaking frustrating for those of us who want to know if it’s worth making! FINALLY towards the end of the comments I started seeing actual reviews and it sounded like people were having luck with it so I gave it a shot. I’m soo glad I took that leap of faith – I can bake up a storm but cooking is not my strong suit so if I can make it anyone can lol. I had some crumbled bacon in the freezer so I fried up an onion, added the bacon and tossed in a handful of frozen peas to the cooking noodles and turned it into a main course. I will definitely make this again!
I am so glad you tried this, Jane! I love the addition of bacon and peas…definitely trying that the next time. Thank you for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out!
I was nervous because most one-pot mac and cheeses don’t taste like the really good recipes I crave but THIS is great! Super simple ingredients, quick, easy and tastes great!!!! Had I not spilled an entire bag of cheese on the floor, I would have been done and ready to eat it in no time lol.
I’m so glad you liked this, Kelley! Haha I’ve totally done that too with cheese! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and letting me know how this turned out!
Any suggestions on the best cheese to use? Are you shredding the cheese yourself or do you buy bagged shredded cheese? I would assume this recipes requires shredding from the block. Looking forward to making this for Thanksgiving, as my two older kids do not like my baked mac n cheese anymore.
Hi Tricia! I’ve actually only used the bagged shredded cheese, though shredding it from the block yourself would most likely make it a bit creamier (or so I’ve noticed when shredding cheese in other recipes). Either way, it will work! As for the kind of cheese, I use what is listed in the recipe ingredients, though I know other readers have commented that they’ve tried a different variety. Hope you enjoy this and have a happy Thanksgiving!
I just made this for our Thanksgiving meal, and everyone loved it. I used extra-sharp white cheddar and colby jack. I used a bit over half a 16 oz block of each, which is a little more than the recipe called for, but it was perfect.
I’m so glad that you liked this, Juanita! And that’s a great idea to use white cheddar and colby jack. Thanks so much for letting me know how it turned out!
It is amazingly creamy. However, I personally feel that adding equal parts mozzarella and cheddar really reduces the taste of the cheese. I’d suggest cutting the mozz in half and adding half a cup of gruyere. Or 1/2 gruyere, 1/2 pecorino romano, if you really want to be kicked in the face with cheese.
You can do whatever you would like! I personally like adding equal parts, but to each its own. Glad you enjoyed it!
Great Recipe! The kids love it and a super easy Meal for the weekday. Honestly i love to play around with different cheeses. I guess it depends on the mood you’re in. I tried the recipe as written and it’s perfect.
Im going to try a light version of this recipe to make it healthy for my own good, But every once in awhile you got to live it up. Thank You for an easy dinner.
I’m so glad you liked this, Amaris! It’s a favorite of mine, too. Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out!
Hi Gayle! I made this tonight and I don’t know what I did wrong – the cheese was very very sticky! Any tips??
Hi Lisa! I’m so sorry to hear that! Hmm I’ve never had the cheese become sticky before. I’m really not sure why that happened or how to improve it? Maybe trying removing the mac ‘n cheese from heat right after the cheese is melted? If it continues to cook while melting the cheese and too high of heat or for too long, it often can become gloppy. Just a suggestion, I’m not entirely sure that would work, but that’s what I would try. I’m sorry that happened. Thank you for letting me know and for stopping by!
Hi, I need to make this right now!!! This looks So So Yummy!!! But I only have cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese in the house!!! I’m hoping I done mess up the taste by using the pepper jack instead of the Mozzarella??? What do you think??? Thank You…
Hi Cheryl! I’ve never tried it with that combination but I would think it would still turn out deliciously! Hope you enjoy and thanks for stopping by!
I went to start this and have no butter!!!! Anything I can replace it with?
Hi Mara! I’m really not sure, as I have never made this without butter before. Sorry I can’t be of more help!
It looks so yummm….
Cheesyyy macroni…
Definitely a great dish!
Do you think it would stay creamy if I made it then put in a crockpot to keep warm?
Hi Dayna! I’m really not sure, I think it may get a little gloppy with the constant heat. But you could try it! Maybe add more cheese or liquid if it becomes too thick in the crockpot. Hope you enjoy and thanks for stopping by!
Very easy to make, but it I tasted more of the mozzarella so I shredded more of the sharp cheddar put some panko on top and put in oven until cheese melted??Very good!! Happy Super Bowl Sunday!
Hi Laura! That sounds like a great addition! Hope you had a great Sunday!
I’m going to try this tonight even though it is 95 degrees outside!
I hope you love it, Karen!
anyone know the serving size
Hi Bridget! This recipe serves approximately 6 people. I’m not sure how many cups that is, per say, if that’s what you mean? It’s a pound of noodles plus ingredients.
Delicious! I’m pregnant, and this recipe is one of my cravings haha It’s my favorite homemade Mac and cheese.
I’m so happy to hear that, Rya! Congrats on your future bundle of joy!
Hi! I got all of the ingredients to make this, but was wondering if you make it ahead & heat it in the oven the next day if it turns out equally as good? Thanks!
Hi Isabel! I’ve never made it ahead, though I think it would turn out well! The cheese may end up a little clumpy…if so, you could always thin out with a little milk if that happens. Hope you enjoy!
Pretty good!! Tasted just like Panera Mac and cheese. I didn’t see the ingredient measurements at the bottom so I winged it. (My fault that I didn’t see them) it came out soooo good! Thanks!
So happy to hear that, Maddie! Thanks for stopping by!
This recipe is PERFECT. I’ve made it probably a dozen times now and it’s always good. I started using it to make pulled pork Mac n cheese recently where I just put it into a 9×13 and top it all with smoked pulled pork, then bbq sauce, then a little more shredded cheddar or cheddar jack. It’s delicious! It’s perfect for those of us who aren’t huge fans of the drier baked macaroni varieties as is too. Kids and husband approve. Thank you!
I’m so happy to hear that, Alyssa! And I love your idea of adding in pulled pork!
I can’t understand how 3/4 cup flour won’t make it taste like paste! I made it and it was SO thick I probably doubled the milk, and it still tasted like flour. I started over and used less than half of the flour and it was still very thick
Justine, the flour makes a roux, and when mixed with the melted butter, milk AND heavy cream. Not like paste though, so maybe you didn’t add the cream, as listed in the directions? That would be 2 1/4 cup of liquid per 3/4 cup of flour, which should not be thick…
I’m so confused. I made this exactly as the recipe said and it is grey. 1/2 cup of flour?? This is gravy! Did anyone else have this issue??
Hi Cindy! It definitely should not resemble gravy or be gray. I have made this many times, as have a lot of readers, and have never had that problem. 1/2 cup of flour may seem like a lot, but you are mixing it with the butter and then adding milk and cream to it. If whisking properly, it should all combine well.
This is such a great recipe. I make it all the time and my family gobbles it up. For some reason I feel like the flour measurement changed when I made it last time it was not right. I feel like it used to be 1/2 cup not 3/4 cup of flour.
Hi Frances! I haven’t changed the flour measurement, but I’m so glad you and your family enjoy this! Thanks for stopping by!
My family really enjoyed this! I did end up adding a little milk so it wasn’t as dry. We will be making this again, though.
I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for sharing, Dawn!
Caution on cornstarch and freezing. Cornstarch does not freeze well and will “thin out” after defrosting. However, with macaroni and cheese, this might not much matter.
Thanks for the tip, Leo!
This is my favorite recipe for mac & cheese and everyone I make it for loves it. I’ve incorporated my grandma’s baked mac & cheese. She put dijon mustard in hers as well as ground ham with horseradish on top and bakes it. Delicious!
I’m so happy to hear everyone loves this, Liz!
Hi Gayle – I think the Mac n cheese is great! I just want to clarify something… your directions say “add some flour”, “add some cheese”, does that mean that those ingredients should be added a little at a time while whisking rather than all at once? The video shows adding those ingredients all at once, so I just want to clarify as my creamy sauce was super thick from the get-go and I needed to add multiple splashes of extra milk. Want to make sure I’m not doing something wrong! Thanks 🙂
Hi Samantha! In the actual recipe directions at the bottom of the page, I say ‘whisk in flour; add milk..’ meaning to add everything all at once. If it needs to be added slowly or a little at a time, it would say that for clarity. Hope that helps and hope you enjoy!
Hi, just wondering if you can use Gruyere cheese in with the cheddar?
Hi Melissa! Yes, that would be a delicious addition! Enjoy!
I think 1/2 cup of flour is too much! It was like glue. I added another cup of milk and a pat of butter. Hopefully it will be edible.
I’ve never had that problem, Kristy! With over 2 cups of liquid added, it would definitely not be glue…
Love this recipe and kids approved! I’d like to make it to bring to a potluck bbq. Is there a way to crock pot this? Or how would you cook this to bring to a party? Disposable foil pans? I’m worried about it getting too thick! Thanks!
So glad to hear that, Michelle! I haven’t tested this in the crock pot but I do have an instant pot version. I would definitely use disposable foil pans for a party. If you’re worried about it becoming too thick, you could add a touch of milk and stir to even it out a bit. Hope everyone enjoys!
I saw this recipe, and was like ok, so a roux, then milk, so basically gravy with cheese melted in. I followed. This recipe, except the flour was throwing me off. It says use 1/2 cup flour for 1/4 cup of butter? I was thinking that was way to much… so I halved the flour, still way to much but I ran with it. It was so much, it thickened before it even got a chance to heat through and after adding the cheese it was almost as thick as my mom’s dumpling dough. None of us decided to continue eating it. All 3 of my kids protested after the first bite. It was bland, no flavor, and desperately needed salt. Worst Mac n cheese I’ve ever had.
Never had such a bad review on this mac ‘n cheese. I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy!