Top 10 Ultimate Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe Collection
Nothing beats the comfort of creamy, cheesy mac and cheese made from scratch. These beloved recipes transform simple ingredients into pure comfort food magic.
From quick stovetop versions to elaborate baked casseroles, each recipe delivers that perfect cheese pull and satisfying richness we all crave.
01. Crockpot Creamy Mac and Cheese
Set-and-forget comfort food that practically makes itself. This slow cooker version delivers creamy perfection with minimal effort required.
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni, 2½ cups whole milk, 12 oz evaporated milk, 8 oz cream cheese, 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded), 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded), 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon paprika.
How To Make Crockpot Creamy Mac and Cheese
1. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until just shy of al dente, about 1 minute less than recommended time. Drain thoroughly and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process.
2. Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray, then add the cooked pasta along with whole milk, evaporated milk, and cubed cream cheese. Stir everything together gently to distribute the cream cheese pieces evenly throughout.
3. Add both shredded cheeses, salt, pepper, and paprika to the slow cooker. Mix well to combine all ingredients, ensuring the pasta is completely coated with the cheese mixture.
4. Cover and cook on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even melting. The mac and cheese is ready when it’s creamy and bubbly throughout.
02. Classic Baked Mac and Cheese
Mom’s go-to recipe featuring secret flavor boosters that make all the difference. This golden-topped casserole brings back childhood memories with every bite.
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni, 4 tablespoons butter, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 2½ cups whole milk, 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded), 1 cup Gruyere cheese (shredded), 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon white pepper, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs.
How To Make Classic Baked Mac and Cheese
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside while you prepare the cheese sauce base.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly to eliminate the raw flour taste without browning.
3. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Add onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and white pepper, then simmer until thickened to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Remove from heat and stir in both cheeses until completely melted and smooth. Fold in the cooked pasta until every piece is well coated.
5. Transfer to a buttered 9×13 baking dish, top with panko breadcrumbs, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
03. Traditional Velveeta Mac and Cheese
A timeless favorite combining sharp cheddar with Velveeta for ultimate creaminess. This recipe has satisfied families for over twenty-five years running.
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni, 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded), 8 oz Velveeta cheese (cubed), 1 cup whole milk, ½ cup heavy cream, 3 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
How To Make Traditional Velveeta Mac and Cheese
1. Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until tender but still firm to the bite, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining completely.
2. In the same pot over low heat, combine milk, heavy cream, and butter. Heat gently until the butter melts and the mixture is warm but not boiling.
3. Add cubed Velveeta to the warm milk mixture and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth. This creates your creamy base that won’t break or separate.
4. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted. Season with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper, then fold in the cooked pasta.
5. If the mixture seems too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
04. Ultra Creamy Mac and Cheese
This five-star recipe takes creaminess to the next level with a special ingredient. Food lovers rave about this being their ultimate go-to version.
Ingredients: 1 pound cavatappi pasta, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 3 cups sharp white cheddar cheese (shredded), 1 cup fontina cheese (shredded), 2 cups half-and-half, 4 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon white pepper, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg.
How To Make Ultra Creamy Mac and Cheese
1. Cook cavatappi pasta in heavily salted water until just al dente, following package directions exactly. The spiral shape holds the cheese sauce beautifully, creating perfect bites every time.
2. Meanwhile, create a roux by melting butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until smooth and fragrant.
3. Slowly pour in half-and-half while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon.
4. Remove from heat and whisk in softened cream cheese until completely smooth. This is the secret ingredient that creates an incredibly silky texture throughout.
5. Add both shredded cheeses gradually, stirring until melted. Season with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg, then fold in the drained pasta until every piece is luxuriously coated.
05. Quick Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Fast weeknight comfort featuring cream cheese and a hint of Dijon mustard. This recipe comes together quickly and bakes in under twenty minutes.
Ingredients: 12 oz elbow macaroni, 4 oz cream cheese (cubed), 2½ cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded), 1½ cups whole milk, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
How To Make Quick Stovetop Mac and Cheese
1. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until tender. Drain well and return to the same pot over low heat to finish the dish.
2. Add butter to the warm pasta and stir until melted. Pour in milk and add cubed cream cheese, stirring gently until the cream cheese begins to melt.
3. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until completely melted and smooth. The mixture should be creamy but not too thin.
4. Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined. The mustard adds a subtle tangy depth that enhances the cheese flavors beautifully.
06. Microwave Mac and Cheese
Surprisingly delicious microwave version that delivers gooey goodness in minutes. This method produces creamy results without any stovetop cooking required.
Ingredients: 1 cup elbow macaroni, 1 cup water, ½ cup whole milk, 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded), 2 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, pinch of paprika.
How To Make Microwave Mac and Cheese
1. Combine macaroni and water in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes longer than the package directions suggest, checking halfway through to stir.
2. Carefully drain the hot water completely, leaving just the tender pasta in the bowl. The pasta should be fully cooked and slightly soft for best results.
3. Immediately add butter, milk, and flour to the hot pasta, stirring quickly to combine. The residual heat will help melt the butter and create a smooth base.
4. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir in the shredded cheese gradually until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika for extra flavor and color.
5. If needed, microwave in 30-second intervals until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture reaches your desired creaminess level.
07. Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Simple scratch-made version with hundreds of five-star reviews praising its simplicity. Perfect for satisfying those sudden mac and cheese cravings quickly.
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1½ cups whole milk, 2 cups medium cheddar cheese (shredded), 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon paprika.
How To Make Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
1. Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, following package directions precisely. Drain thoroughly but don’t rinse, as the starch helps the cheese sauce adhere better.
2. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to form a smooth paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to eliminate any raw flour taste.
3. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens noticeably, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and add shredded cheese in small handfuls, stirring after each addition until completely melted and smooth throughout.
5. Return the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and fold gently until every piece is well coated. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika before serving immediately.
08. Buttery Cracker-Topped Mac and Cheese
Baked version featuring a golden cracker topping that adds incredible buttery flavor. This family favorite delivers both creamy interior and crunchy contrast perfectly.
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni, 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded), 1 cup mild cheddar cheese (shredded), 2 cups whole milk, 3 large eggs, ½ cup butter (melted), 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed), 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper.
How To Make Buttery Cracker-Topped Mac and Cheese
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and cook macaroni until just shy of al dente. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking prevents mushiness.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined. This custard-like base will set beautifully during baking.
3. Add both shredded cheeses to the egg mixture, stirring to combine. Fold in the drained pasta until every piece is thoroughly coated with the cheese mixture.
4. Transfer to a buttered 9×13 baking dish and spread evenly. Mix crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the top for that signature golden crust.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the center is set and the cracker topping is golden brown and crispy. Let rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture.
09. Crispy-Topped Baked Mac and Cheese
Features an irresistibly crunchy golden crust that mac and cheese lovers dream about. This recipe focuses on achieving maximum crispy contrast with creamy interior.
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni, 4 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese (shredded), 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 4 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper.
How To Make Crispy-Topped Baked Mac and Cheese
1. Cook macaroni until al dente and drain well. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F for that high heat needed to achieve the perfect crispy top.
2. Make a roux by melting butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then whisking in flour. Cook for 2 minutes while stirring constantly to develop flavor.
3. Slowly add milk and cream, whisking continuously until smooth and thickened. The mixture should coat the back of a spoon when ready for the cheese.
4. Remove from heat and gradually stir in shredded cheese until completely melted. Season with salt and pepper, then fold in the cooked pasta until well coated.
5. Transfer to a buttered baking dish and top with breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is deeply golden and crackling crispy.
10. Double Cheese Mac and Cheese
Features two types of cheese and a secret mustard powder kick. This top-rated recipe melts cheese on the stove before baking for extra richness.
Ingredients: 12 oz elbow macaroni, 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded), 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded), 2½ cups whole milk, 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon white pepper.
How To Make Double Cheese Mac and Cheese
1. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until tender but still firm. Drain thoroughly and set aside while you prepare the rich cheese sauce base.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a smooth roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
3. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add dry mustard powder, salt, and white pepper, then simmer until thickened to a creamy consistency.
4. Remove from heat and add both cheeses gradually, stirring until completely melted and smooth. The combination creates incredible depth of flavor and perfect creaminess.
5. Fold in the cooked pasta until every piece is well coated, then transfer to a buttered baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Final Thoughts
These ten mac and cheese recipes offer something special for every craving and cooking style. From quick microwave versions to elaborate baked casseroles, comfort food never tasted so good.
Whether you prefer stovetop simplicity or oven-baked perfection, these tried-and-true recipes will become your new favorites for satisfying that cheesy comfort food craving.
