The Simple Slim Kitchen 30-day meal planning system
30 DAYS OF MEALS
🍴 MAKE DINNER EASIER
Tired of Figuring Out What to Cook Every Night?
Get 62 simple recipes, a complete 30-day meal plan, weekly shopping lists and easy meal-prep guidance.
Complete Digital System — Just $17
SEE THE 30-DAY MEAL PLAN →
Instant digital access • One-time purchase
Japanese-style chef knife
UP TO 70% OFF
SMART KITCHEN UPGRADE
A Seriously Sharp Chef Knife Without the Premium Price.
Ice-hardened steel, a comfortable control grip, and a sharp edge made for slicing meat, vegetables, herbs and more.
SPECIAL ONLINE DEAL
FROM $24.99 EACH
with select bundle
SEE TODAY'S KNIFE DEAL →
60-day guarantee • Online offer

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese for a Cozy Night In

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese for a Cozy Night In

Creamy macaroni and cheese is the quintessential comfort food that brings warmth and happiness to any cozy night in. This rich, velvety dish, layered with cheesy goodness, is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to whip up. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a lazy weekend, this creamy delight will have you craving seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy creamy macaroni and cheese recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor. Here’s what makes it irresistible:

🎁 TEMU $0 KITCHEN GIFTS

6 Kitchen Finds You May Be Able to Get for $0

Temu is currently showing these kitchen products as $0 gifts for eligible app users with qualifying orders. Tap any item below to check the current offer.

🎁 $0 gift availability may vary. Offers shown are for eligible Temu app users with qualifying orders. Tap a product to see current eligibility, pricing and terms.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you use links on this page.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Comforting: Perfectly creamy with a cheese pull that’s hard to resist.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients for a personal touch.
  • Kid-Friendly: A dish that pleases even the pickiest eaters.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax!

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) for garnish

How to Make Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until golden, creating a roux.
  3. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, then add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
  5. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine well. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor.

Tips for the Best Results

  • For an extra creamy texture, use a combination of cheeses such as mozzarella or Gruyère along with cheddar.
  • Don’t skip the seasoning; it enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Make sure to stir the cheese sauce continuously while heating to prevent sticking.

Easy Variations

  • Bacon Mac: Add cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
  • Veggie Mac: Incorporate steamed broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
  • Spicy Mac: Mix in jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick.

What to Serve With It

  • A simple green salad to balance the richness.
  • Garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
  • Roasted vegetables for a colorful side dish.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Recipe Card

Recipe Name: Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield/Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until golden, creating a roux.
  3. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, then add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
  5. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine well. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor.

Notes: For an extra creamy texture, use a combination of cheeses or add cooked bacon for a twist.

Related Posts

Your Next 30 Days of Meals — Already Planned
The Simple Slim Kitchen
Stop wondering what to cook every night. Get a complete 30-day meal system that makes meals, shopping & prep easier.
✓ 62 Recipes ✓ 30-Day Plan ✓ Shopping Lists ✓ Meal Prep
Get the complete digital system
$37 $17 TODAY
Instant Access  •  One-Time Purchase  •  60-Day Guarantee
GET THE 30-DAY MEAL PLAN — $17
No thanks, continue to CraveFinch.com
Scroll to Top