One-Pot Macaroni & Cheese

One-Pot Macaroni & Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is one of Rebecca's all-time favorite foods,  and she has five or six different macaroni and cheese recipes depending on her mood or occasion (see Fancy Macaroni & Cheese earlier in this Recipes menu!). This one-pot variety is the one she cooks up when she needs something low-fuss, quick, and ultra-comforting. Great for rainy days, campfire cooking, or an easy, last-minute side along a summer barbecue, this recipe can always fit the occasion.

 

          Servings: 4
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook:  30 minutes

 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 2.5 - 3 cups milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

    Instructions

    1. In a saucepan combine a pinch of salt, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, butter, and water. Bring to a low boil.
    2. Add in macaroni noodles, and reduce heat to a simmer
    3. Stir frequently until noodles are cooked (this will take around 5-7 minutes longer than the package instructions)
    4. Watch to ensure liquid does not completely evaporate. You can add extra milk 1/4 cup at a time if the liquid is low
    5. Once pasta is cooked, stir in cream cheese
    6. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese
    7. Taste for salt and pepper and serve immediately

      Rebecca's Notes

      • Play around with different cheeses to your liking - swap any soft cheese (looking at you, Boursin!) for the cream cheese and any variety of cheddar works here, too
      • Shred that cheese yourself! The pre-shredded bagged stuff will not melt smooth and creamy the way it needs to
      • Make sure the noodles still look very wet and soupy after they are cooked, and before you add the cheeses; otherwise, it will be too stiff and gum up quickly
      • Rebecca is a BIG fan of the ultra-fine black pepper in mac & cheese; fresh-cracked would be fine, but there is just something about that fine peppery stuff for her when it comes to mac & cheese
      • Mac & cheese NEEDS salt to really bring out the flavor of the cheese - don't skimp! Taste as you go, and don't be afraid to add a little more than you may be used to
      • Original recipe & image courtesy of Spend With Pennies
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