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Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food! This one-pot mac and cheese is everything you want in a meal—smooth, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness. Quick to whip up and easy to customize, it’s a no-fuss recipe that delivers big on flavor.
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Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Why You’ll Love Making It
- One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to extra dishes—this creamy mac and cheese is made entirely in one pot for minimal cleanup!
- Perfectly Creamy: With a mix of cheddar, Gruyere, mozzarella, and cream cheese, this dish delivers a rich and velvety sauce that coats every piece of pasta.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the flavors with your favorite cheeses or spices. Want a bit of heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’re new to cooking, this straightforward recipe will guide you step-by-step to cheesy perfection.
- Family Favorite: A comforting classic that’s sure to please both kids and adults. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Ingredients
- 1lb / 500g Dried Macaroni: Use classic elbow macaroni, but feel free to substitute with small pasta shapes like shells or penne if preferred.
- 2 1/2 – 3 cups / 600 – 720ml Milk: Semi-skimmed works great, but whole milk will make it even creamier. Ensure the milk is at room temperature to prevent curdling.
- 2 cups / 480ml Chicken Stock: Adds depth of flavor. Use low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake.
- 1 cup / 240ml Heavy/Double Cream: Contributes to the silky texture. Room temperature cream incorporates more smoothly.
- 1 tsp Salt: Balances the flavors. Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 tsp Mustard Powder: Adds a subtle tang that enhances the cheese flavor without overpowering.
- 1/4 tsp EACH: Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, White Pepper: These spices add a mild, savory depth to the sauce.
- 4oz / 125g Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese blends easily and adds a luxurious texture.
- 2 1/2 cups / 250g Medium Cheddar: Cheddar is the backbone of this dish. Medium works well, but sharp cheddar will provide a more intense flavor.
- 1 cup / 100g Gruyere: Known for its melting quality, Gruyere adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor.
- 1/2 cup / 50g Mozzarella: Gives the sauce its signature stretchiness and gooey texture.
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Instructions
- Prepare Your Pot
Choose a large, deep pot to ensure there’s plenty of room for the pasta to cook and for stirring the sauce later. - Cook the Pasta
Add the macaroni to the pot. Pour in 2 1/2 cups (600ml) of milk, chicken stock, and the heavy cream. Stir to combine.
Sprinkle in the mustard powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and white pepper. Stir again to distribute the spices evenly.
Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Cook until the macaroni is al dente. This will take about 10–12 minutes. If the liquid starts to dry out before the pasta is cooked, add more milk, a splash at a time. - Make the Cheese Sauce
Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the liquid.
Gradually stir in the cheddar and Gruyere, a handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt before adding more.
Finally, add the mozzarella and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add more milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. - Taste and Adjust
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add a pinch more salt or white pepper if needed.
For an extra kick, you can sprinkle in a touch of cayenne or red pepper flakes at this stage. - Serve and Enjoy
Once the sauce is perfectly creamy and coats the pasta evenly, it’s ready to serve.
Ladle the mac and cheese into bowls and enjoy it warm. For added flair, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a dusting of paprika.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While macaroni is the classic choice, you can use other small pasta shapes like shells, penne, or fusilli. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta’s size and type.
How can I prevent the cheese sauce from being too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add more milk, a little at a time, while stirring over low heat. This will help thin it out to your desired consistency without compromising the creaminess.
