Quick and Easy Mac and Cheese Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Fix
Let’s talk about mac and cheese—the kind that hugs you back after a long day. This isn’t the boxed kind we all grew up on (though, bless its heart). This is real-deal, bubbly, creamy, homemade mac cheese goodness. The kind that makes your kitchen smell like a warm memory.
If you’ve been wondering how to make creamy mac and cheese without needing a culinary degree, I’ve got you. This recipe is everything I love in a comfort food—rich, simple, no weird ingredients, and easy enough for a weeknight. Think: easy dinner recipes mac and cheese meets cheesy potatoes easy recipe, with the gooey charm of amazing mac and cheese recipes that actually taste like they belong at the dinner table.
It’s also ridiculously customizable. Add bacon. Stir in ground beef. Sprinkle some hot sauce. Whatever you do, you’ll still end up with a forkful of cheesy joy. This baked version creates those golden edges I secretly fight over (and yes, I win).
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Boil the macaroni just shy of al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add the milk and cream, whisking to smooth out lumps. Cook until it starts to thicken—5 to 6 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Add salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder.
- Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Pour into the prepared baking dish. Mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle over the top (if using).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling. Cool for 10 minutes before diving in.