Sous Vide Creamy Mac and Cheese: Temperature & Time Guide
Mac and cheese without a roux, without a watching pot: sous vide cooks the pasta in the cheese sauce — creamy, even, and almost zero effort.
Our top pick
Anova Precision Cooker 3.0
A circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking.
Free shipping on eligible Amazon items · 30-day easy returns · you earn on anything bought within 24h
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Quick comparison
| Pick | Why we like it | |
|---|---|---|
| Anova Precision Cooker 3.0 | A circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking. | View → |
| Instant-read meat thermometer | Use one to verify your water bath and spot-check the finish — a $15 probe removes all guesswork. | View → |
Anova Precision Cooker 3.0
Editor’s PickA circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking.
- + On-device temperature control
- + 1100W heats fast
- + Recipe library for temps
- − Premium price
- − Some app features paywalled
Free shipping on eligible items
Use one to verify your water bath and spot-check the finish — a $15 probe removes all guesswork.
- + Verifies actual temperature
- + Cheap insurance
- − Not needed if your circulator is accurate
Free shipping on eligible items
Buying advice
1) Cook pasta briefly (al dente minus 1 minute), drain. 2) Mix with milk, cream, cheese, mustard, and salt. 3) Seal and cook at 176°F for 45 minutes. 4) Stir, adjust seasoning. 5) Top with breadcrumbs and broil 2 minutes if you want the crust.
FAQ
What temperature for mac and cheese?
176°F (80°C) for 45 minutes — creamy, never scorched.
Do I need a roux?
No — the starch from the pasta and the cheese emulsify into creaminess.
What cheese is best?
A mix — sharp cheddar for flavor, Gruyère or American for melt.
Ready to cook perfectly?
Our top pick for this guide — check today’s price and clip any on-page coupon on Amazon:
Anova Precision Cooker 3.0
A circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Want exact temps and times? Use our free sous vide calculators.