There are few comfort foods more loved than classic baked macaroni and cheese. Creamy, rich, and topped with golden bubbling cheese, this homemade mac and cheese recipe is the perfect side dish for holidays, Sunday dinners, or cozy weeknight meals.
Unlike boxed versions, this from-scratch mac and cheese starts with a buttery roux that turns into a silky cheese sauce before being finished under the broiler for that irresistible golden top. The combination of Colby Jack cheese and cream cheese makes the sauce incredibly smooth, creamy, and flavorful.
If you’re looking for a tried-and-true homemade mac and cheese recipe, this one delivers everything you want: creamy sauce, tender elbow pasta, and a beautifully browned cheesy topping.
Other Holiday Favorites
Why You’ll Love This Mac and Cheese
• Ultra creamy cheese sauce
• Simple stovetop method
• Finished with a golden broiled top
• Perfect holiday side dish
• Kid-friendly comfort food
This recipe is a great base mac and cheese you can customize with bacon, breadcrumbs, or extra cheeses.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2½ cups whole milk, room temperature
5 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½–1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
1 (16-ounce) box elbow macaroni, cooked according to package instructions
How to Make Classic Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to broil so the cheese topping can brown quickly at the end.
Step 2: Make the Roux
In a medium Dutch oven or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once melted and bubbling, whisk in the flour. Cook while whisking constantly for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
Slowly whisk in the milk.
Continue cooking and stirring frequently until the sauce thickens, about 10–15 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low.
Working in batches, whisk in 4 cups of the shredded cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Stir in the cream cheese, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and hot sauce.
Mix until completely combined.
Step 5: Add the Pasta
Stir the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
Step 6: Broil the Top
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top.
Place under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and lightly browned.
Step 7: Serve
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese
Use freshly shredded cheese
Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Room temperature milk matters
Cold milk can make the sauce seize and thicken unevenly.
Don’t skip the roux step
The butter-flour base creates a silky smooth cheese sauce.
Broiling adds amazing flavor
That golden bubbly cheese topping makes this dish taste bakery-style.
Easy Add-Ins
Turn this classic mac and cheese into a full meal by adding:
• Crispy bacon
• Caramelized onions
• Broccoli
• Pulled pork
• Rotisserie chicken
• Jalapeños
Classic Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6–8 SERVINGS 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and topped with a golden bubbly cheese crust. Made with a smooth homemade cheese sauce and tender elbow macaroni, this comforting baked macaroni and cheese is perfect for holidays, family dinners, or cozy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2½ cups whole milk, room temperature
5 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½–1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
1 (16-ounce) box elbow macaroni, cooked according to package instructions
Instructions
1. Preheat oven
Preheat the oven to broil.
2. Make the roux
In a medium Dutch oven or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted and bubbling, whisk in the flour. Cook while whisking constantly for about 2 minutes.
3. Make the sauce
Slowly whisk in the milk. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 10–15 minutes.
4. Add cheese and seasonings
Reduce heat to low. Working in batches, whisk in 4 cups of the shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cream cheese, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and hot sauce. Whisk until completely combined.
5. Add pasta
Stir the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
6. Broil the topping
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheese over the top. Broil until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and lightly browned, about 3–5 minutes.
7. Serve
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
Always shred cheese fresh for the smoothest sauce.
• Room temperature milk prevents the sauce from seizing.
• Broiling the top gives the mac and cheese its classic golden crust.
- Prep Time: 10 MINUTES
- Broil Time: 3-5 Minutes
- Cook Time: 20 MINUTES
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: American
FAQ
Can I make mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the mac and cheese, store it covered in the refrigerator, and broil the cheese topping right before serving.
What cheeses work best for mac and cheese?
Great options include:
• Colby Jack
• Cheddar
• Gruyère
• Monterey Jack
• Fontina
Why is my mac and cheese grainy?
This usually happens if the cheese gets too hot. Always melt cheese over low heat.
Can I freeze mac and cheese?
Yes. Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a little milk to loosen the sauce.
The Ultimate Comfort Food
This classic homemade macaroni and cheese is one of those recipes every home cook should have in their back pocket. It’s creamy, nostalgic, and guaranteed to disappear fast from the dinner table.
Whether you’re serving it for holiday dinners, Sunday meals, or cozy comfort food nights, this mac and cheese always hits the spot.
