This skillet mac and cheese recipe is the perfect comfort food because it’s hearty and gooey. Better yet, it’s done in less than 30 minutes. You can’t beat that!

We have a few professional (easy!) tips so you make this dish just right. First, don’t substitute American Swiss cheese for the Gruyere. It’s way too dry and the flavor isn’t right for this macaroni.

Second, we recommend you grate the cheese yourself because pre-packaged shredded cheese is coated in starch, which changes the texture of your sauce.

Make this cheesy skillet mac a complete meal by serving it with stuffed flank steak and a baby green salad with bacon and egg.

A skillet full of creamy mac and cheese.

Skillet Mac and Cheese Recipe

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Homemade skillet mac and cheese is so simple to make and it is way more deliciously gooier than the boxed stuff. Trust us!
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Ingredients
 

Yield: 6 -8 servings
5 from 2 ratings
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  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, mild or medium, grated
  • 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, or Monterey Jack cheese, grated

Instructions
 

  • Cook elbow macaroni in plenty of salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than the package calls for, until noodles are soft but still firm. Drain and rinse under cool water until macaroni is no longer warm. Set aside to drain completely.
  • Place a large 10″ or 12″ deep-sided skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Sprinkle flour evenly over butter and whisk until combined. Cook the flour approx. 1 minute, stirring constantly then slowly whisk in milk until no lumps of flour remain. Allow liquid to come to a bubble, stirring frequently then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 3 minutes.
  • Stir in salt, dry mustard and paprika until completely combined then begin adding cheeses, one handful at a time. Stir until each addition of cheese has melted before adding the next. Continue this process until all of the cheese has been melted into the sauce.
  • Give the macaroni a stir to separate any pasta that’s sticking together then add it to the sauce. Stir to coat the macaroni in the cheese sauce and continue heating on medium-low until everything is nice and hot. Remove from heat and allow mac and cheese to rest 5 minutes so the sauce can thicken slightly. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Treat yourself to a good cheese! Besides Gruyere, you can try a high-grade Swiss or Monterey Jack—they’re all mild, creamy and will melt easily.
Author: Cheryl Najafi
Course: side dishes
Calories: 618kcal, Carbohydrates: 61g, Protein: 28g, Fat: 28g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 76mg, Sodium: 802mg, Potassium: 150mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 6g
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