Homemade Macaroni & Cheese
Creamy and cheesy macaroni baked to perfection, featuring sharp cheddar and a smooth white sauce. Ideal comfort food for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Make a white sauce by melting margarine in a saucepan, then stirring in flour, milk, and salt on the stovetop.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until it thickens, about 30 seconds.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the sauce and stir until melted.
- Boil the elbow macaroni until tender, then drain.
- Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra creamy texture, consider adding a dollop of cream cheese to the cheese sauce. If you're out of sharp cheddar, any other cheese like gouda or mozzarella can work well too. To elevate the dish, try mixing in some cooked bacon bits or sautéed vegetables like broccoli. Adjust the salt based on your cheese's saltiness to avoid over-seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your homemade macaroni & cheese as a comforting main dish, or pair it with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal. It also goes wonderfully alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. For a fun twist, try serving it in a crispy waffle cone for a playful presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to the macaroni and cheese in a microwave-safe dish to prevent it from drying out. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Macaroni & Cheese contains roughly 981 calories, with 5g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2631mg per serving (114% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this macaroni and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Assemble the macaroni and cheese in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta. This will allow you to enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of this classic comfort food without compromising on taste.
Can I add protein to this macaroni and cheese?
Certainly! You can mix in cooked chicken, ground beef, or even shrimp to make it a heartier meal. For a vegetarian option, consider adding cooked lentils or black beans for a protein boost while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).