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Best Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe

4.91 from 20 votes
Easy Creamy Macaroni and Cheese | lecremedelacrumb.com
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. 
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
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: 683 kcal, Carbohydrates: 77 g, Protein: 31 g, Fat: 27 g, Saturated Fat: 15 g, Cholesterol: 76 mg, Sodium: 434 mg, Potassium: 472 mg, Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 11 g, Vitamin A: 832 IU, Vitamin C: 1 mg, Calcium: 612 mg, Iron: 2 mg
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Author: Tiffany