Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our delectable 20-minute mac and cheese recipes. Featuring an irresistible lineup of four distinct variations, this article caters to every palate. Whether you prefer a classic rendition, a creamy delight, a tantalizingly spicy kick, or a healthier alternative, we've got you covered.
1. Classic Mac and Cheese:
Relive childhood memories with our timeless classic mac and cheese recipe. This crowd-pleasing dish features a velvety smooth cheese sauce made with a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, enveloping tender macaroni noodles.
2. Creamy Pesto Mac and Cheese:
Jazz up your mac and cheese with a vibrant twist using our creamy pesto variation. Fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of garlic blend harmoniously in a creamy sauce, creating a delightful symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
3. Spicy Mac and Cheese:
For those who love a touch of heat, our spicy mac and cheese is the perfect choice. Featuring a blend of cayenne pepper, paprika, and chili powder, this recipe delivers a satisfying warmth that's sure to ignite your taste buds.
4. Healthy Mac and Cheese:
Indulge in guilt-free comfort with our healthy mac and cheese recipe. This lighter version replaces traditional ingredients with wholesome alternatives, such as zucchini noodles, non-fat milk, and a reduced-fat cheese blend. Enjoy a satisfying meal without compromising on flavor.
20-MINUTE MAC 'N CHEESE
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni and about 1 tablespoon salt and cook according to package directions, usually 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a colander and drain well.
- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a 4-quart pot over medium heat. Stir in the flour with a wooden spoon, stirring and cooking until the mixture is smooth, about 1 minute. Whisk in about 1/2 cup of the milk, whisking until no lumps remain. Then whisk in the rest of the milk until the sauce is smooth. Bring to a simmer and whisk constantly until the sauce is slightly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the Cheddar, Gruyere and Parmigiano-Reggiano with a wooden spoon. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the pepper and nutmeg and season to taste with salt. Remove from the heat.
- Transfer the drained pasta to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the pasta and stir until well combined. Serve warm.
20-MINUTE MAC AND CHEESE
Homemade mac and cheese in 20 minutes! You can do it!
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 20m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
- Meanwhile, in 3-quart nonstick saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, mustard and pepper. Cook over low heat 20 seconds, stirring constantly, until butter is absorbed. Remove from heat; gradually beat in half-and-half with wire whisk. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in cheese until melted.
- Stir pasta, onions and bell pepper into sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, until hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 510, Carbohydrate 49 g, Cholesterol 75 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 21 g, SaturatedFat 15 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 650 mg, Sugar 4 g, TransFat 1/2 g
20-MINUTE MAC 'N' CHEESE RECIPE - (4.1/5)
Provided by Pebbles-2
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°. Microwave 2 cups milk at HIGH for 1 1/2 minutes. Melt 2 Tbsp. butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat; whisk in 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in warm milk, and cook, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until thickened. Whisk in 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper, 1 cup shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, and, if desired, 1/4 tsp. red pepper until smooth; stir in 1/2 (16-oz.) package elbow macaroni pasta. Spoon pasta mixture into a lightly greased 2-qt. baking dish; top with extra-sharp Cheddar cheese. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Tips:
- Use a good quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Fontina.
- Use a combination of cheeses to create a more complex flavor.
- Grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and evenly.
- Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package directions, but drain them a minute or two before they are fully cooked. This will help them to retain their shape and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Make sure the milk and butter are hot before adding them to the cheese. This will help to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Stir the cheese sauce constantly while it is cooking to prevent it from burning or curdling.
- Season the mac and cheese to taste with salt, pepper, and other spices.
- Serve the mac and cheese immediately, topped with additional grated cheese and chopped parsley.
Conclusion:
This 20-minute mac and cheese recipe is a quick and easy way to make a delicious and comforting meal. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a hot and cheesy dish that the whole family will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love