One Pot Mac & Cheese
User Reviews
4.4
-
Prep Time
15 mins
-
Total Time
15 mins
-
Servings
4 -6 servings
-
Course
Side Dish
One Pot Mac & Cheese
Description
One Pot Mac & Cheese begins by boiling pasta in just enough cold water to cover it, seasoning with salt and stirring until the water is almost fully absorbed and the pasta is nearly cooked. Evaporated milk and optional butter are then added and brought to a simmer to form a creamy base. Freshly shredded cheddar cheese is stirred in off heat until melted and smooth, creating a rich sauce coating the pasta uniformly.
The use of evaporated milk gives the dish a velvety texture and slightly caramelized flavor without additional cream. The recipe allows seasoning with salt and pepper to taste for balanced richness.
This method is designed for simplicity and can be customized by mixing in cooked vegetables, bacon, or proteins before serving to create a heartier meal.
Using freshly shredded cheese avoids grainy texture caused by anti-caking agents in pre-shredded varieties, ensuring maximum creaminess in the sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni or similar shaped pasta
- 1 evaporated milk 12 ounce can
- 1 tablespoon butter optional
- 8-10 ounces cheddar cheese freshly shredded
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place pasta in a 10-inch or 12-inch high-walled pan or skillet with just enough COLD water to cover. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently until almost all of the water has been absorbed by the pasta and is just shy of cooked.
- Immediately add all of the evaporated milk and optionally 1 tablespoon of butter; bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. Add the cheese, reduce heat and stir continuously until the cheese is melted and reduced to a creamy sauce, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese to achieve a smoother, creamier sauce; pre-shredded cheese can result in graininess.
- A mix of mild and sharp cheddar adds balanced flavor but any good melting cheese can be used.
- To make this a full meal, add mix-ins like cooked peas, roasted broccoli, bacon, ham, or shredded chicken before serving.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
You'll Also Love
