New Incredible Ways to Eat Mac and Cheese
The Only Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe You'll Need
No need to buy the boxed stuff anymore—this will become your new go-to for busy weeknights. Our oh-so-easy macaroni-and-cheese recipe takes just 20 minutes to make, and it will please the even pickiest eaters in your home. You'll love sitting down at the end of the day with a comforting bowl of homemade mac and cheese. If you love this mac-and-cheese recipe, you’ll want to try these other riffs on the dish. We’re all about quick-fix weeknight suppers to feed the whole family, and these oven-baked pasta recipes and one-dish dinners are hard to beat.
You’re just a few simple steps away from enjoying this rich, creamy dish. First, combine 4 qts. of water and ¼ cup of salt in a Dutch oven. Cover and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, microwave 1 qt. of milk on HIGH for three minutes. In a cast-iron skillet, melt 6 Tbsp. of butter. Add 6 Tbsp. of flour, and stir to combine. Gradually add the hot milk to the skillet, slowly whisking to combine. Once the pasta water is boiling, you’re ready to add 1 lb. of cavatappi pasta. We like to use these corkscrew noodles when making macaroni and cheese. Cook the noodles to the desired degree on doneness. Drain the pasta, and set it aside. Add 8 oz. of Monterey Jack cheese to the milk mixture in the cast-iron skillet. Throw in another 8 oz. of extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, and whisk to combine. Add 1 ½ tsp. salt, ½ tsp. pepper, and 1 tsp. hot sauce to the cheese mixture. Stir until the sauce is thoroughly combined. Add the cooked noodles to the cheese mixture, and stir until all noodles are coated. In a separate bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of panko and 2 Tbsp. of olive oil. Spread the mixture on top of the macaroni and cheese. Place the cast-iron skillet in the oven, and broil it for 1-2 minutes, or until the top of the macaroni and cheese is crisp and golden brown. Serve and enjoy this simple yet delicious pasta dish.
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Pie Topped with Bacon
Get the recipe for Macaroni and Cheese Pie with Bacon Lattice at Buzzfeed.
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Baked Potatoes
Get the recipe and more ideas on topping your baked potato at The Merrythought.
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French Fries
Get the recipe for French Dip Mac ‘N Cheese Smothered French Fries at Dixie Chick Cooks.
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Italian-Style
Get the recipe for this Italian inspired Caprese Mac and Cheese at Simply Delicious Food.
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BBQ-Style
Combine two Southern classics with BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese. Get the recipe at Host the Toast.
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Fried Bites
Take your mac and cheese to the fryer. Try the recipe for Fried Mac and Cheese Balls from The Fork Bite.
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Quesadillas
Get the recipe for these Macaroni and Cheese Quesadillas at the Bakeaholic Mama.
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Stuffed Peppers
Get the recipe for these Mini Italian Meatball Mac and Cheese Stuffed Peppers at Half Baked Harvest.
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Breakfast
Enjoy your mac and cheese in the morning with this Breakfast Mac and Cheese with Bacon, Eggs, and Hash Browns from Sweet-Remedy.
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Stuffed Shells
Double up the macaroni flavor with these Macaroni and Cheese Stuffed Shells from Bite Me More.
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Pretzel Bites
Get the recipe for Macaroni Cheese Pretzel Bites with Bacon from Foodness Gracious.
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Grilled Cheese
Get the recipe for Grilled Macaroni and Cheese Sandwiches from Kirbie’s Cravings.
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Jalapeño Popper
Spice things up with Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese from Life as a Strawberry.