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Creamy One-Pot Mac and Cheese

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A quick and easy creamy one-pot mac and cheese recipe that delivers comforting, cheesy goodness with minimal cleanup. Perfect for cozy nights and busy weeknights alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 225 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk (720 ml)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 8 ounces or 225 grams)
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
  • Optional: Pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 cups (960 ml) of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and the elbow macaroni. Cook uncovered for 6-7 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. Return the pot to medium heat and melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture bubbles and thickens slightly.
  3. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously. Increase heat to medium-high and stir often until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Optionally add smoked paprika.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Gradually add shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheese, stirring gently until melted and smooth. Avoid high heat to prevent graininess.
  6. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, coating evenly. If sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Cook for another 1-2 minutes on low heat to meld flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

Add milk gradually while whisking to avoid lumps. Melt cheese over low heat to prevent graininess. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents for best melt.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, one-pot, creamy, comfort food, easy recipe, cheddar cheese, quick dinner

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/creamy-one-pot-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-comfort-food-made-perfect/