Easy Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Everyone Will Love

Few dishes offer the same warm, nostalgic comfort as creamy macaroni and cheese. With its silky cheese sauce, tender pasta, and rich, buttery flavor, this timeless favorite is more than just a side dish — it’s a feel-good meal in its own right. Whether you’re serving it for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or cozy nights in, homemade mac and cheese is always a hit. This recipe brings you everything you love about the classic — creamy, cheesy, and made entirely from scratch.

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What Can You Serve with Mac and Cheese?

While creamy mac and cheese can absolutely stand alone, it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and proteins to make it a complete meal. Here are some great pairings:

Grilled or baked chicken
Classic baked beans
Green salad with vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables
Your favorite steak recipe
Garlic bread or cornbread

These additions bring balance, texture, and added flavor to your meal.

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Ingredients

To make a rich and creamy mac and cheese that serves 6, you’ll need:

1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 to 2 cups 2% milk
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
8 ounces cubed Velveeta
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish, (Optional)

How to Make Creamy Mac and Cheese (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly until it bubbles but doesn’t brown.

Step 3: Add the Milk and Cream

Slowly whisk in the milk and sour cream, making sure there are no lumps. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens — about 4–5 minutes.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in Velveeta, Parmesan cheese, salt, mustard and pepper until smooth and cheese is melted. Add more milk to reach desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat every piece of pasta, transfer to a greased 3-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle the top with cheese and bake uncovered 15 minutes or until cheesy is bubbly and lightly golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

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Leftovers and Storage

This creamy mac and cheese stores well and reheats beautifully:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
To Reheat: Add a splash of milk and warm in the microwave or stovetop over low heat to bring back its creamy texture.

Nutrition Per Serving

(Estimated based on 6 servings)

Calories: 653 kcal
Protein: 25g
Fat: 46g
Saturated Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Cholesterol: 143mg
Sugar: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 1141mg

Note: Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.

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Final Thoughts

Creamy macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food — rich, warm, and endlessly satisfying. This homemade version strikes the perfect balance between gooey and smooth, offering a dish that both kids and adults will love. Whether served on its own or paired with your favorite proteins or sides, it’s a recipe worth returning to again and again.
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