Best Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Best Simple Mac and Cheese Recipe is a cinch to whip up in 30 minutes or less, and makes for a delicious and satisfying meal for the whole family. This no bake mac and cheese packs all the same comforting flavors of traditional mac and cheese in just a few easy steps.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces small pasta noodles like elbows or shells
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 ½ cups whole milk see note
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add pasta to a pot of boiling salted water, boil til tender, then drain and rinse with cold water. Toss pasta with 2 teaspoons oil and set aside.
- In a large skillet melt butter over medium-high heat. Stir in flour. Very gradually whisk in 2 cups milk until smooth and creamy. Stir in garlic powder.
- Stir in cheese until completely melted and fully incorporated. Add a little milk if needed (up to 1/2 cup) to thin the sauce if it is too thick for your liking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in cooked pasta and serve. Garnish with cracked black pepper and chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Feeds 4 adults or 4-6 people when feeding small kids.
The cheese: make sure to use freshly grated cheese and not pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is packaged with a coating that keeps it from sticking together in the package, but also keeps it from melting properly and will give your sauce a grainy texture.
The milk: low fat content can give your sauce a grainy texture, I suggest a higher fat content (whole milk works great!) for a super creamy, rich sauce.
Nutrition
Calories: 683kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 434mg | Potassium: 472mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 832IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 612mg | Iron: 2mg
