why make this recipe
One Pot Mac & Cheese is a favorite comfort food for many people. It’s creamy, cheesy, and very satisfying. Making it in one pot means less cleanup, which is great for busy weeknights. You can whip up this dish in just a little time, and everyone will love it!
how to make One Pot Mac & Cheese
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 cups water or broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large pot, combine the elbow macaroni and 4 cups of water or broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat. Add the butter, garlic powder, and milk to the pot.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until everything is melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
how to serve One Pot Mac & Cheese
You can serve One Pot Mac & Cheese directly from the pot. It pairs well with a side salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. For extra flavor, add some chopped herbs or a sprinkle of paprika on top.
how to store One Pot Mac & Cheese
To store leftover One Pot Mac & Cheese, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
tips to make One Pot Mac & Cheese
- For an extra cheesy flavor, mix in different types of cheese like mozzarella or gouda.
- If you want a bit of crunch, top the mac and cheese with breadcrumbs before baking it for a few minutes.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add more garlic powder or some hot sauce if you like a kick.
variation
You can add cooked vegetables like broccoli or spinach to make it more nutritious. For meat lovers, cook some bacon or sausage and mix it in for added flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, but cooking times may vary.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese and non-dairy milk to make it dairy-free.
How long does it take to make One Pot Mac & Cheese?
It usually takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.
One Pot Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 cups water or broth broth adds extra flavor
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese feel free to mix different types of cheese for added flavor
- 1 cup milk add more for creaminess
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder adjust to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Cooking
- In a large pot, combine the elbow macaroni and 4 cups of water or broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat. Add the butter, garlic powder, and milk to the pot.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until everything is melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!