🧀 Creamy Homemade Mac & Cheese (Stovetop)
Serves: 4–6
Time: ~20 minutes
Ingredients
12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole milk = extra creamy)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional but 👌)
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional kid-approved add-ins:
A tiny pinch of garlic powder
A splash of cream
A spoon of cream cheese for ultra creaminess
Instructions
Boil the pasta
Cook your macaroni in salted water until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Make the sauce base
In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute (it’ll look like wet sand).
Add milk
Slowly whisk in milk. Keep whisking until smooth and slightly thickened (2–3 minutes).
Cheese time
Turn heat to low. Stir in all the cheese until melted and silky smooth.
Add salt, pepper, and any optional add-ins.
Combine
Toss the pasta back in and stir until every noodle is coated in cheesy glory.
🔥 Why This Beats Boxed Mac
Real cheese = richer flavor
Customizable (more cheese? different cheese? YES.)
No weird aftertaste
Creamy, not chalky
Kid-Approved Variations
Extra creamy: add 2 tbsp cream cheese
Protein boost: mix in diced chicken or ham
Hidden veggies: stir in finely chopped steamed broccoli or cauliflower
Baked version: top with buttered breadcrumbs + bake 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes
If you want, tell me:
How old your daughter is
If she likes it super plain or a little fancy
I can tweak this into her perfect mac & cheese recipe 😄
