Homemade Mac and Cheese | Simple 30 Minute One Pot Recipe
This homemade mac and cheese recipe is classic, simple and comes together in 30 minutes or less. Made in just one pot, it’s easy for kids to make and it’s the perfect pot-luck dish to pass. It’s smooth, cheesy taste is oh so irresistible!
There’s nothing more classic of a meal than mac and cheese, whether you’re a kid or an adult. Who doesn’t love it’s familiar cheesy taste? As a former lunch lady, besides pizza it was one of the student’s favorite things to eat.
Most people, especially children, are familiar with Kraft mac n’ cheese out of a box. When you hear the words, they’re generally synonymous together. But many people including moms, are more health conscious these days and they’re looking for healthier food options for their families.
Homemade meals with real food ingredients are definitely the way to go, but there’s often a stigma around cooking from scratch. Oftentimes, it’s associated with not being as quick and convenient as store-bought box food. While there is some planning and prep work to make things quicker in the kitchen, healthy meals can easily come together in 30 minutes or less.
That’s especially true when it comes to my homemade mac and cheese recipe. While there are some delicious, more in-depth mac and cheese recipes out there, I wanted one that is easy for kids to make and one that closely mimics store-bought. My goal is to make homemade food easy and approachable for everyone from kids to busy moms and everyone in-between. Begin with this simple recipe and see where your from-scratch journey takes you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Amazing cheesy taste – This homemade mac and cheese recipe perfectly imitates the typical store-bought brand. It’s straight-forward cheese, milk, butter and noodles. Nothing fancy, just classically creamy and cheesy. Definitely kid-approved!
Easy and quick to make – This recipe is made in one pot in under 30 minutes on the stovetop. There’s little mess and cleanup is a breeze. It’s also budget-friendly since there’s just a few simple ingredients. If you have a child old enough to make mac and cheese from a box, they can easily make this homemade version.
Homemade is Healthier – This is my motto and it rings true for homemade mac and cheese. This recipe leaves behind the chemicals and preservatives of store-bought that cause untold harmful health effects in both adults and children. Confidently feed your kids with homemade.
Helpful Hints for Homemade Mac and Cheese
- It’s important to choose a block of cheese to shred instead of pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese turns the sauce into a grainy texture because of the anti-caking agents. It also contains other harmful ingredients that should be avoided for good health.
- Elbow noodles or S-shaped cavatappi noodles are ideal for mac and cheese. Their texture and shape best hold the sauce, but if all you have on hand are spaghetti noodles, they provide the same great taste plus it’s best to use what you have on hand to save money.
- Bring the milk mixture to a boil on medium to low heat. Boiling milk too fast breaks down the proteins and doesn’t provide a nice smooth creamy texture.
- The basic mac and cheese recipe is amazing all by itself, but it also acts as a base for other varieties of casserole recipes. Or is it a hot dish?! If you’re from Wisconsin or Minnesota you’ll understand the humor! If your family is open to new ideas, add vegetables like sautéed onions and garlic, carrots, parsnips, etc. Hot dogs are another classic option too.
How to Make Homemade Mac and Cheese
What You’ll Need
Pasta – You’ll want to use an elbow noodle or cavatappi (S-shaped pasta). Both are ideal for holding the thick cheese sauce. Gluten-free varieties like Jovial Foods brand work as well.
Cheddar cheese – Although there are many gourmet mac and cheese recipes out there that are delicious, my goal with this recipe is to imitate the taste and ease of the well-known store-bought brand. Keep it simple and use a block of basic cheddar or colby cheese.
Turmeric – This is optional, but it enhances the rich color of the cheese, closely mimicking the look of a store-bought box. It’s perfect if you’re trying to wean your family off of Kraft mac n’ cheese and introduce them to a homemade version.
Saucepan, stir spoon, and cheese grater
A full list of ingredients is in the recipe card down below.
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a saucepan, bring water, milk, butter and salt to a boil.
Add pasta and bring milk and water mixture back to a boil. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t clump.
Cook for about 10 minutes or until pasta is soft.
In the meantime, grate cheese either by hand or with a food processor.
When noodles are done, remove the pan from the heat.
Stir in cheese and turmeric until melted and creamy. Serve right away. Enjoy!
FAQ’s for Homemade Mac and Cheese
How should leftover mac and cheese be stored?
Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge up to three days. For longer storage, place in the freezer and consume within three months for best flavor.
How should homemade mac and cheese be re-heated?
Re-heat mac and cheese on the stovetop, adding one tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches a creamy consistency.
What type of milk makes the best homemade mac and cheese?
Whole milk makes the thickest, creamiest cheese sauce, but 2% and skim work as well.
More Recipes From Becky’s Kitchen
The Best Homemade Pumpkin Sausage Soup for Fall
How to Make Bone Broth: A Beginner’s Guide
The Best From-Scratch Cheesy Sourdough Pizza Rolls
How to Make Homemade Beet Soup | Quick | Healthy
How to Make Quick and Easy Protein-Rich Homemade Jello
If you make this recipe and love it, come on back and give it a 5-star review! Tag me with your photos on Instagram @beckybuttlesamericana
Cheers to WI Cheese! –Becky
Homemade Mac and Cheese | Simple 30 Minute One Pot Recipe
This homemade mac and cheese recipe is classic, simple and comes together in 30 minutes or less. Made in just one pot, it's easy for kids to make and it's the perfect pot-luck dish to pass. It's smooth, cheesy taste is oh so irresistible!
Ingredients
- 12 oz. box of elbow noodles or cavatappi pasta
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups water
- 4 tablespoons (half stick) butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring water, milk, butter and salt to a boil.
- Add pasta and bring milk and water mixture back to a boil. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn't clump. Cook for about 10 minutes or until pasta is soft.
- In the meantime, grate cheese either by hand or with a food processor.
- When noodles are done, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in cheese and turmeric until melted and creamy. Serve right away. Enjoy!
Notes
- It's important to choose a block of cheese to shred instead of pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese turns the sauce into a grainy texture because of the anti-caking agents. It also contains other harmful ingredients that should be avoided for good health.
- Elbow noodles or S-shaped cavatappi noodles are ideal for mac and cheese. Their texture and shape best hold the sauce, but if all you have on hand are spaghetti noodles, they provide the same great taste plus it's best to use what you have on hand to save money.
- Bring the milk mixture to a boil on medium to low heat. Boiling milk too fast breaks down the proteins and doesn't provide a nice smooth creamy texture.
- The basic mac and cheese recipe is amazing all by itself, but it also acts as a base for other varieties of casserole recipes. If your family is open to new ideas, add vegetables like sautéed onions and garlic, carrots, parsnips, etc. Hot dogs are another classic option too.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 482Total Fat: 37gSaturated Fat: 22gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 1016mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 23g
I’m a wife and homemaker inspiring old-fashioned skills for a homemade, self-sufficient lifestyle, always with a warm beverage in hand. Homemade Recipes. Gardening. Preserving. Healthy Living.
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