Cozy, No-Fuss Mac and Cheese for Busy Weeknights

This creamy, cheesy Mac and Cheese hits the comfort-food sweet spot: rich, smooth sauce that clings to each bite of pasta, with a golden, crunchy top for contrast. It’s simple, homey, and just the kind of dish that makes a weeknight feel special without a long fuss. Whether you’re feeding tired kids, rushing adults, or guests who love comfort food, this recipe delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 30–40 minutes weeknight friendly.
• Uses pantry staples you probably already have.
• Easy to mix, match, or boost with extras like veggies or bacon see mac and cheese add-ins for ideas.
• Feeds a family or makes great leftovers for lunches.

Ingredients for Mac and Cheese

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard (optional, for a little bite)

Step-by-Step Instructions of Mac and Cheese

1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the roux: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook 1 minute until bubbly and lightly golden.
3. Add the milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 4–6 minutes).
4. Melt the cheese: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and dry mustard if using. Taste and adjust.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Stir the drained pasta into the cheese sauce until all the pasta is coated.
6. Transfer and top: Spoon the mixture into a buttered 8×8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the panko evenly over the top and dot with a little extra butter if you like a richer crust.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake until the top is golden and the sauce bubbles around the edges, about 15–20 minutes.
8. Rest and serve: Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets a touch. Enjoy warm.

Tips for Success

• Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest sauce pre-shredded often has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
• Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be slightly firm since it will bake.
• Toast the panko a little with butter before topping for extra crunch and color.
• Stir off the heat when adding cheese to avoid breaking the sauce.

Substitutions & Variations of Mac and Cheese

• To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: Use a plant-based milk (unsweetened almond or oat), vegan butter, and a dairy-free shredded cheese. Swap the elbow pasta and panko for gluten-free versions. Add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for extra cheesiness.
• Variations: Stir in steamed broccoli, cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or a spoonful of pesto. Mix in smoked gouda or pepper jack for a different flavor. Add a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne for warmth.

Storage Instructions of Mac and Cheese

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between.
• Freezer: For best results, freeze before baking. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake until hot. You can also freeze baked portions; reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) until piping hot.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Mac and Cheese

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but fresh-shredded melts smoother. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce slightly grainy.

How do I make the sauce extra creamy?
Use whole milk or half-and-half, and shred your own cheese. A touch of cream or cream cheese stirred in off-heat also helps.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Double all ingredients and bake in a larger dish (like a 9×13). Bake time may increase by 10–15 minutes.

Final Toughts

Mac and Cheese is the kind of comfort food that turns a busy night into something warm and simple. This version is creamy, cheesy, and quick enough for hectic evenings, yet easy to dress up when you have time. Try the recipe and tell me how it went leave a comment and a star rating to help others.

Cozy, No-Fuss Mac and Cheese

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A creamy, cheesy Mac and Cheese that is quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, and comforting for the whole family.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

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• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the roux: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly and lightly golden.
3. Add the milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 4–6 minutes).
4. Melt the cheese: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and dry mustard if using. Taste and adjust.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Stir the drained pasta into the cheese sauce until all the pasta is coated.
6. Transfer and top: Spoon the mixture into a buttered 8×8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the panko evenly over the top and dot with a little extra butter if you like a richer crust.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake until the top is golden and the sauce bubbles around the edges, about 15–20 minutes.
8. Rest and serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets a touch. Enjoy warm.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for optimal creaminess. Avoid overcooking pasta as it should be slightly firm. Toast panko in butter for added crunch.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian