on Apr 30, 2018, Updated Jan 08, 2023 32 Comments Looking for more delicious easy side dish recipes? I think you’ll love my mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and potato salad. Do I have a recipe to share with you today that I think you will absolutely love! This easy, cheesy, creamy, crunchy, and out-of-this-world delicious Skillet Mac and Cheese!
The BEST Mac and Cheese
I know, I know. There must be a million Mac and Cheese recipes out there. But before you dismiss this one, let me tell you a little more about it. I’ve also included some step-by-step photos and a video so it doesn’t seem nearly as intimidating. I get it. I remember all those years of grabbing a blue box when I was grocery shopping and then boiling noodles, draining them, and squeezing in the magic packet. With a quick stir, it was done. But once I began making my homemade mac and cheese, I haven’t turned back. I think you’ll love it, too!
How to Make Mac and Cheese from Scratch
Ingredients
To make it, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Butter Flour – I prefer to use all-purpose flour. Stone House Seasoning – I’ve shared my recipe for Stone House Seasoning before. Every time I mention it in a recipe, I get questions about it. It is made of three simple ingredients at just the perfect ratio for quickly adding seasoning to so many dishes. I make a large portion of it and keep it in an airtight container to add flavor in a snap! To make for this recipe, you’ll use 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder. Milk – I use whole milk. You can use your preferred dairy or non-dairy milk. The fat content of the milk may impact the creaminess of the sauce. Cheeses – I prefer a blend of cheeses for the rich and creamy sauce. Hot sauce – Optional Elbow noodles – You can use your favorite type of noodles. Penne noodles are also great. Panko crumbs – Optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the cheese sauce.
Make a roux. Melt butter in a medium (12-inch) skillet. You can also use a Dutch oven or another heavy-bottomed stock pot. Add the flour and Stone House Seasoning to the melted butter. Once you add the flour and Stone House Seasoning to the skillet, whisk to incorporate into the melted butter. Then, continue to cook for about a minute more. Add the milk. Next, whisking constantly, pour the warmed milk into your flour mixture, making sure it is smooth. Allow the flour and milk mixture to come to a low bubble in the skillet and continue to cook until the sauce has thickened. Add the cheeses. Now, turn the heat off to the skillet and add all of your cheeses, along with the hot sauce if you are using it. Stir until all the cheese has melted. This cheese sauce makes this the best Mac and Cheese recipe in my book! Add cooked noodles. I like to add the cooked noodles in stages, not all at once, and stir them into the cheese sauce. Serve as a creamy Mac and Cheese. If you like, you can stop here and serve this Mac and Cheese without any topping. It is delicious this way and is how I make it often. It is a favorite for children this way. Add Panko for Baked Mac and Cheese. It is out of this world delicious with this buttery Panko topping! The Panko is mixed with a bit of melted butter, added to the top of the Mac and Cheese, and then placed under the broiler until nice and toasted. YUM!
How to Store, Make Ahead, and Freeze Mac and Cheese
To store. Bake and cool. Cover with wrap and store in the refrigerator up to 3 days. To make ahead. Prepare without adding the topping. Cover tightly with wrap and refrigerate. To serve, remove from the refrigerator and top with the Panko topping mixture, and bake at 325º F for 15 minutes. To freeze. Transfer any leftovers to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, reheat and serve. Here’s my Skillet Mac and Cheese Recipe. I hope you make it soon! Enjoy!Robyn xo
