Easy One-Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

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This EASY homemade, one-pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe use simple ingredients – macaroni noodles, butter, cream, and cheese and takes just minutes to make! This one will be a favorite with both the kids and the grownups in the house.

Creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese is always a hit, and I love to make it from scratch homemade. This super simple recipe needs just two cheeses to make – and comes together in just one pot.

Simple Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

This recipe comes from trying out several recipes from several different sites including blogs, recipe sites, and restaurant sites. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients or cook time like our favorite Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese and Crock Pot Mac N Cheese. It doesn’t require making a roux – which in my opinion – takes too long when you’re in a hurry at dinner time!

Try having it with our favorite Healthy Chicken Nuggets or Strips. I bet your kids will love it! Make sure to let me know what you think!

Ingredients for Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

• Macaroni Pasta – For classic mac and cheese, use elbows.
• Butter – You can use salted or unsalted butter.
• Milk – I use whole milk for richness in this recipe. You could also use cream.
• Cheddar Cheese – Cheddar brings a welcome sharp flavor note to this pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese – For melty, salty flavor.
• Salt and Pepper

Variations

Here are a few ways to dress up this simple macaroni and cheese recipe:

• Add bacon or ham – You can add crumbled bacon or chopped ham to your homemade macaroni and cheese for extra flavor and protein.
• Throw in some frozen peas – Frozen peas would go really nice in a pot of mac and cheese. Add about a cup of frozen peas when you add the milk to the pasta, and cook them until they are warmed all the way through.
• Try different cheeses – You could add any cheese you like to this homemade macaroni and cheese recipe – try Jack or pepper Jack cheese, different kinds of cheddar, Gruyere cheese, or even mozzarella.
• Stir in some cream cheese. For a creamy, tangy hint of flavor, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese.
• Use a different pasta shape – Macaroni and cheese in its classic preparation calls for elbow pasta. But you could also use ziti, penne, shells, or a small to medium pasta shape of your choice.

How to Make Simple Macaroni and Cheese

1. Cook the pasta: Cook noodles according the package directions and drain.
2. Melt the butter and add the milk: Using the pan you used for the noodles, melt the butter over low heat. Add the milk and whisk to combine.
3. Add the pasta and cheese: Add the noodles back into the pan and add the cheese on top.
4. Mix the pasta and cheese together: Mix it all together until the cheese is melted.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add a splash more of milk if you like it a little creamier.

How to Store Macaroni and Cheese

Store leftover macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave until hot through.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few ways I love to serve this simple macaroni and cheese recipe:

• Alongside ham. Ham is a classic dish to serve with macaroni and cheese! Try my Baked Ham with Maple Dijon Glaze or Crock Pot Ham recipes for a wonderful main dish to go with simple macaroni and cheese.
• With vegetables. Serve homemade macaroni and cheese with a green vegetable like steamed or roasted broccoli or a green bean casserole. Or try my Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower for a flavorful and healthy choice.
• Add a big salad. With this cheesy carbo load, a fresh salad is a must. Try serving my Fresh Corn Salad, Cucumber Tomato Salad, or Broccoli Salad with mac and cheese.

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