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I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for easy mac and cheese. This homemade macaroni and cheese is a quick comfort meal. It makes your taste buds dance. With just four ingredients and about 10 minutes, you’ll have a creamy stovetop mac and cheese that rivals any boxed version.
This recipe is perfect for those busy nights when you crave a warm, cheesy dish. You can switch up the pasta shapes or cheese types to keep things interesting. Trust me, once you try this simple yet delicious mac and cheese, you’ll never look back!
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
This simple mac and cheese recipe will soon be your top pick! It’s creamy and loved by all. Here are five reasons you’ll adore it:
- Simplicity: It only takes four ingredients to make. Great for quick dinners.
- Speed: It’s fast, ready in minutes. Perfect for busy nights or sudden hunger.
- Nostalgia: It brings back childhood memories with its creamy taste. It’s the best comfort food.
- Versatility: Try different cheeses like Gruyère or raclette for new flavors.
- Family-friendly: Everyone, kids and adults, will enjoy it. It’s a hit at family meals.
This recipe is easy to remember after a few tries. Soon, you’ll make it without looking at the recipe. It’s great for showing love to your family or enjoying a tasty treat.
This mac and cheese is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the perfect comfort food for any day of the week!
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
Let’s look at what you need for this easy mac and cheese recipe. It’s super simple!
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (shells or elbow macaroni)
- 1 tablespoon grass-fed butter
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 2-3 slices American cheese (or ¼ cup cheese of choice)
Now, let’s talk about pasta options. You can pick whole wheat or chickpea pasta for a healthier choice. For cheese, cheddar or parmesan are good if you don’t like American cheese. Boar’s Head makes great sliced cheese that melts well!
If you want milk alternatives, try evaporated milk for a smooth texture. Or swap the butter with olive oil if you like. This recipe is all about trying new things and finding what you like!
I’ve tried this recipe with sharp cheddar and whole wheat pasta. It was delicious and felt a bit more grown-up!
Finding the right mix of ingredients is key to perfect mac and cheese. Don’t be scared to try new things and make it your own!
Instructions
Are you ready to learn how to make mac and cheese? Let’s start with the stovetop method. It’s quick, easy, and always a hit.
First, fill a big pot with water and add a bit of salt. Boil it and cook your pasta as the package says. While the pasta cooks, get another pot ready for the cheese sauce.
In this pot, mix milk and butter over medium heat. When the butter melts, add your cooked pasta. Now, it’s time to add the American cheese.
- Stir until the cheese melts fully
- Add salt and pepper to taste
- Keep mixing until it’s creamy and well mixed
Your stovetop mac and cheese is now ready. If you want to try something new, use the Instant Pot. Cook the pasta with water and butter for 4 minutes on HIGH pressure. Then, stir in evaporated milk and cheese slowly.
The secret to great mac and cheese is stirring well. Don’t skip this step. It makes the dish smooth and creamy, and everyone will want more!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Here are some tips to make your mac and cheese even better! Use elbow macaroni for that classic shape. Grate your own cheese – it melts smoother without those pesky anti-clumping agents.
When adding cheese, stir it in bit by bit to avoid clumps. Once all the cheese is in, take the pot off the heat to keep it from overcooking.
Wondering about mac and cheese storage? Keep leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge. They’ll stay yummy for 3-4 days. When it comes to reheating mac and cheese, add a splash of milk and heat gently for best results.
If you’re using an Instant Pot, toss in some butter during cooking. This stops starch from shooting out of the valve – no mess, just cheesy goodness!
Let’s talk about the best cheese for mac and cheese. I love using a mix of sharp cheddar and creamy Gouda. The cheddar brings that classic flavor, while Gouda adds a rich, smooth texture.
Feel free to experiment with different cheese combos to find your perfect match. Remember, freshly grated cheese is always the way to go for the creamiest, most delicious mac and cheese.