Easy Homemade Mac N Cheese

In our house, mac n cheese is practically a weekly request from my girls. I’ll be honest—I’m not the biggest fan of the boxed stuff. And truthfully, homemade mac n cheese is so simple (and so much more delicious) that once you try it, you won’t want to go back. Who doesn’t love fresh, creamy, cheesy comfort food?

One little twist I make is using protein pasta. My girls don’t even notice the difference, and it makes this cozy dish a little more filling and wholesome. Recently, I used wide egg noodles, and it turned out amazing! The beauty of this recipe is that any noodle you have on hand will work perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 1 stick butter

• 1.5 oz flour (about 3 Tbsp)

• 2.5 cups milk of choice or heavy cream

• 1 lb brick cheese of choice (I love sharp cheddar, shredded fresh for the best meltiness)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ½ box noodles of choice (protein pasta, egg noodles, elbow, shells—anything works!)

Optional:

• Bread crumbs + extra shredded cheese for a baked finish

Method:

• Make the Roux

  • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.

  • Add flour and stir continuously for 5–10 minutes. Go slow and steady here—you don’t want to burn it. You’re looking for a smooth, golden base that smells nutty. This is your secret to creamy mac n cheese.

• Add Milk

  • Slowly whisk in the milk (or cream), a little at a time, until smooth.

  • Cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

• Cheese Time

  • Stir in freshly shredded cheese until melted and velvety.

  • Add salt and pepper to taste.

• Cook the Noodles

  • Boil water with a pinch of salt.

  • Cook noodles until they reach your favorite texture. Drain and rinse with cold water.

• Combine

  • Fold the noodles into your cheese sauce until evenly coated.

  • Serve warm and watch it disappear!

Optional Baked Version:

Pour your mac into a greased glass baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and a little extra cheese. Bake at 350°F until bubbly and golden brown on top.

The Best Way to Reheat:

Forget the microwave. The best way to reheat mac n cheese is on the stove with a splash of milk. It brings the sauce right back to life.

Homemade mac n cheese is creamy, cheesy, and perfectly cozy—and honestly, so easy that there’s no reason to reach for the box. Next time your family is craving comfort food, give this version a try. It’s a staple in our house, and I bet it’ll become one in yours too.