Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Mmm Homemade Macaroni and Cheese… a classic favorite. This recipe is kid approved with no extra seasonings or *gasp* a crunchy baked topping. My kids love their macaroni and cheese super plain so they love this recipe. Also, Henry got to work on the stove for the first time today!

How to make Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

First, cook your macaroni according to the package in salted water. Once cooked pour into strainer and set aside. You’re going to use the same pot to make your cheese sauce. To make the roux, melt the butter over medium-low heat then stir in the flour. Cook for 2 minutes while stirring constantly.

Next, add your milk and stirring constantly bring to a boil. Stir until thickened slightly about 3-4 minutes. Lower heat and slowly add the cheese stirring after each addition so cheese melts thoroughly. Taste sauce and season to taste with salt and pepper. (My kids aren’t a fan of pepper they can see so I added pepper to my own bowl after I served it.) Once all cheese is melted add cooked macaroni back to pot and stir to coat all pasta.

Serve and enjoy! This recipe can also be baked. Simply mix together a little melted butter with bread crumbs. Put finished macaroni and cheese into a baking dish and top with bread crumbs then bake at 350 degrees for about 10-20 minutes.

If you are having your kids help in the kitchen more, check out our post 5 Reasons Why You Should Cook with your Kids for more tips! This was Henry’s first time using the stove and he loved it… but probably not the constant reminders from me that the stove is hot!

For a behind the scenes look at Return to the Kitchen, be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Pinterest! Also, if you make this recipe or any of our recipes be sure to tag us @returntothekitchen!

Love this Homemade Macaroni and Cheese and looking for more recipes like this one? Try these: Easy Roasted Potatoes, Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob, Chili Mac and Cheese, Italian Pasta Salad, Lemon Butter Shrimp and Pasta, Easy Homemade Meat Sauce, Simple Mediterranean Orzo Salad, Healthy Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce, Citrus Chicken Pasta, Spinach Lasagna, Crock Pot Pasta Sauce, Turkey Lasagna Soup and Sausage Casserole! Or, if you landed here while looking at vegetarian recipes, then our vegetarian category is for you! For more easy store bought recipes you can make at home see our Collection of Store-Bought Foods You can Easily Make at Home.

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Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Classic homemade Macaroni and Cheese made with only 6 ingredients.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cups flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to packaging. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot, melt butter over medium-low heat.
3. Add flour and whisk constantly 1-2 minutes to cook flour.
4. Add milk and bring to a boil. Continue to stir until thickened about 3-4 minutes.
5. Lower heat and slowly begin to add cheese. Stir well between additions. Continue to stir until all cheese has been added and is melted. Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add cooked macaroni to sauce and stir to coat.
7. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Kids will love it! Serve as a main dish or side dish.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 400Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 399mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 16g

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Originally published on November 10, 2018 and updated on February 17, 2020.