The Best Mac and Cheese Recipe: Creamy Comfort Food

When you’re craving a hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying dish, the best mac and cheese recipe always delivers.

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s quick to whip up yet still loaded with cheesy goodness, this will be your new best friend.

This recipe is great because you can make a half recipe, or triple the recipe for large groups and it comes out perfectly every time.

Most of the time I make a small recipe for my husband and myself. But it is equally delicious when the whole family is together at the beach.

The evaporated milk gives it an extra creamy texture, while a mix of cheeses brings bold flavor with that perfect melty consistency.

Here’s a step-by-step recipe using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.

Ingredients for the Best Mac and Cheese Recipe:

16 oz pasta – I use Cellentani
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons melted butter
2 cans of evaporated milk (12 oz each)
2 cups whole milk
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups Velveeta cheese (cubed)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions for the Best Mac and Cheese Recipe:

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 16 oz of elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to the package instructions (usually about 8–10 minutes). Drain the pasta and put it in a 9×13 pan.

2. Assembling the Mac and Cheese

Drizzle olive oil and butter over cooked pasta in a 9×13 pan and stir to coat
Pour evaporated milk over the pasta and stir gently.
Pour 2 cups of milk over pasta and stir gently.
Add 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese ( or cheese of your choice) and gently stir
Add 2 cups cubed Velveeta and gently stir
Season with salt and pepper to taste. – you can also add other seasonings to taste such as garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika,

3. Cooking the Best Mac and Cheese Recipe

Cover the 9×13 pan with foil and cook for one hour at 300°. After 1 hour, remove from oven and stir gently making sure to combine all the cheeses.

Cover and return to the oven for another 35 minutes to an hour until it is nice and creamy.

Be careful not to leave in too long or it will start to curdle. If this happens don’t fret. It will still be delicious. Just stir gently and it will be perfect.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Once your mac and cheese is fully combined, it’s ready to serve!

See Also: The Best Mashed Potatoes EVER

Tips and Tricks for the best mac and cheese:

1. Use Evaporated Milk for Extra Creaminess

One of the secrets to the ultra-creamy consistency of this recipe is the use of evaporated milk. It has a thicker, richer consistency than regular milk, which results in a cheese sauce that clings perfectly to the macaroni. This is a great trick when you want that smooth, restaurant-quality mac and cheese.

2. Velveeta: The Ultimate Melting Cheese

Velveeta may not be fancy, but it’s a game changer when it comes to creating that super smooth, melt-in-your-mouth sauce. It blends seamlessly with the cheddar cheese to give you a sauce that’s both flavorful and perfectly creamy.

3. Add a Crispy Topping (Optional)

If you love a crispy topping on your mac and cheese, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter and grated Parmesan on top, and broil it for 2–3 minutes.

Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn, but that golden-brown topping adds a lovely texture.

4. Mix Up Your Cheese

While cheddar and Velveeta are a winning combo, you can experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste. For a sharper flavor, try adding a bit of smoked Gouda or Gruyère. Or, for an extra gooey finish, mix in some mozzarella.

5. Make It Ahead

This mac and cheese is great for meal prep. You can make the dish ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and cook it right before mealtime.

It is also super easy and delicious reheated. Just reheat it in the microwave when you’re ready to eat. It will be a little thick when its cold but after about 30-45 seconds in the microwave it should be perfectly creamy again.

If it thickens up too much after chilling, just stir in a little milk while reheating to bring it back to life.

6. Add Some Extras

Mac and cheese is a perfect canvas for other flavors.

You can stir in cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for added texture and taste.

Another fun twist is to sprinkle some crumbled cooked sausage or pulled pork on top before serving for a heartier meal.

This blog post was all about the best Mac and Cheese Recipe

This mac and cheese recipe is an absolute winner for its creamy texture, cheesy richness, and ease of preparation.

The combination of evaporated milk and Velveeta makes it foolproof, and the cheddar adds that classic sharpness we all love.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, looking for a quick family meal, or just indulging in a bowl of comfort food, this mac and cheese will satisfy every craving.