How to Make Mac and Cheese from Scratch

Learn to make creamy, homemade mac and cheese with simple ingredients your whole family will love.

1. Gather Your Ingredients. You'll need 1 pound elbow macaroni, 4 tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 cups whole milk, 8 ounces cream cheese (softened), 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Having everything measured and ready makes the cooking process much smoother.
2. Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). This usually takes 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta but don't rinse it - you want some starch to help the cheese sauce stick. Set the cooked pasta aside while you make the cheese sauce.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce. In the same pot you used for pasta, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This mixture is called a roux and helps thicken your sauce. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the softened cream cheese until smooth.
4. Add the Cheese and Seasonings. With the pot still off the heat, gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, mixing until completely melted and smooth. Add the salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The sauce should be creamy and coat the back of a spoon.
5. Combine and Serve. Add the cooked pasta back to the pot with the cheese sauce. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk. If it's too thin, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.