Best Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe

Name: Best Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 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; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese; salt and pepper to taste

User Reviews

4.9

63 reviews

Excellent

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
Calories
683 kcal
Course
Main Course
Cuisine
American

Best Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe

Daniel Levine

Report

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.

Share:

I Made This!

47 people made this

Print

14 people printed this

Save this

37 people saved this

Ingredients

Servings

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

Add to Shopping List

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 Information

Show Details

Calories 683kcal (34%) Carbohydrates 77g (26%) Protein 31g (62%) Fat 27g (42%) Saturated Fat 15g (75%) Cholesterol 76mg (25%) Sodium 434mg (18%) Potassium 472mg (13%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 11g (22%) Vitamin A 832IU (17%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 612mg (61%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 683 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories	683kcal	34%
Carbohydrates	77g	26%
Protein	31g	62%
Fat	27g	42%
Saturated Fat	15g	75%
Cholesterol	76mg	25%
Sodium	434mg	18%
Potassium	472mg	10%
Fiber	3g	12%
Sugar	11g	22%
Vitamin A	832IU	17%
Vitamin C	1mg	1%
Calcium	612mg	61%
Iron	2mg	11%