Best 10 One Pan Cheddar Mac Recipes

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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our remarkable One-Pan Cheddar Mac recipe! This culinary masterpiece combines the classic flavors of macaroni and cheese with a burst of cheddar cheese, creating a dish that will tantalize your taste buds. Our comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions, ensuring a flawless cooking experience even for beginners.

Additionally, we have curated a collection of irresistible variations to cater to diverse preferences. Craving a creamy and flavorful twist? Try our One-Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Mac. For a spicy kick, our One-Pan Jalapeño Popper Mac is sure to satisfy. And if you're seeking a healthier alternative, our One-Pan Roasted Red Pepper Mac offers a delightful balance of flavors without compromising on taste.

Our recipes are not just delicious but also incredibly convenient, utilizing a single pan for effortless cleanup. Join us on this culinary journey as we take you through the steps of creating these exceptional One-Pan Mac and Cheese recipes. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills and enjoy the delectable goodness of our One-Pan Cheddar Mac and its delightful variations.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

BAKED ONE POT MAC AND CHEESE



Baked One Pot Mac and Cheese image

If you like your Mac and Cheese with plenty of creamy, cheesy sauce, then this is the recipe for you. Added bonus: all made in one pot and not a drop of cream!

Provided by Nagi | RecipeTin Eats

Categories     Baked     One Pot     Pasta

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 tbsp unsalted butter
6 tbsp flour
3 cups of milk ((full or low fat - I used low fat))
2 cups of water
1 tsp salt ((Note 1))
Black pepper
1/2 lb / 250g dried macaroni ((elbow pasta) (Note 2))
2 cups (150g / 5oz) grated tasty or cheddar cheese (or any sharp, flavoured cheese that melts well)
1 cup (75g / 2.5 oz) grated provolone dolce cheese (or mozzarella or other mild flavoured good melting cheese) (Note 3)
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs ((or ordinary breadcrumbs))
1/4 cup parmesan cheese (, grated)
1/2 tbsp fresh parsley (, finely chopped (optional))

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.
  • Melt the butter in a deep fry pan or skillet (Note 4) over medium heat. (Note 5)
  • Add the flour and stir until combined so a thick paste forms ("roux"). Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
  • Add half the milk and use a whisk to dissolve the roux into the milk. It will thicken quickly, then add the remaining milk. Whisk in small circles, rotating around the pan, to dissolve all the roux into the milk.
  • Add the water, salt and 5 grinds of pepper, then turn the heat up to medium high. Whisk leisurely so the bottom doesn't stick to the pan. When the white sauce starts to steam and thickens such that you can see it coating the edges of the pan (around 2 to 3 minutes), add the macaroni.
  • Turn the heat down to medium and stir gently with a wooden spoon to mix the macaroni through and ensure the bottom doesn't stick. Cook it for 1 minute. Be sure not to cook it for longer than this after adding the macaroni - this really impacts the "sauciness" of the dish and ensuring the macaroni isn't overcooked.
  • Cover the fry pan (Note 6), then transfer it immediately to the oven on the middle shelf.
  • Bake for 12 minutes, then remove from the oven. It will seem like there is too much sauce but it reduces and thickens in the next steps. The pasta should be just cooked (al dente). It will continue cooking from the residual heat.
  • Turn the oven off and turn the grill/broiler on high.
  • Stir through the cheese, just enough to disperse it through the macaroni. As you stir, this will melt the cheese and thicken the sauce. Don't stir too much because otherwise the sauce will thicken too much due to the evaporation.
  • Sprinkle over the panko and parmesan cheese, then place under the grill/broiler for a few minutes to brown.
  • Remove from the grill/broiler and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 308 g, Calories 180 kcal, Carbohydrate 47.2 g, Protein 22 g, Fat 22.4 g, SaturatedFat 13.9 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Sodium 842 mg, Fiber 1.8 g, Sugar 8 g

STOVETOP MACARONI AND CHEESE



Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese image

Recipe video above. This classic Macaroni and Cheese just happens to be made in one pot! Though made with the usual ingredients, the sauce is extra silky and glossy, and it clings to the macaroni without having to make make the sauce super thick because the pasta is cooked in the sauce. So there's no risk of gluggy Mac N Cheese or overcooked pasta.

Provided by Nagi | RecipeTin Eats

Categories     Dinner     Side

Time 18m

Number Of Ingredients 11

50 g / 3 1/2 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
2 cups milk ((full fat preferred but low fat is ok))
2 1/2 cups water
250 g / 2 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (, uncooked)
3/4 cup mozzarella cheese (, shredded)
1 1/2 cups cheese (Cheddar, Colby, Gruyere) (, shredded (Note 1))
Salt and pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp mustard powder

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a medium pot or large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add about 3/4 cup of milk and mix into butter mixture - it will become a slurry pretty quickly.
  • Add remaining milk and mix so the slurry mixes in. Then add water and Seasonings.
  • Add macaroni and mix. Stir occasionally as it comes to heat. When you see wisps of steam as you stir, lower the heat down to medium low.
  • Stir regularly as it cooks for 9 - 10 minutes (it will bubble gently), or until the sauce thickens and the macaroni is just cooked - tender but still firm. It should still be saucey at this stage and thinner than you want.
  • Take it off the stove and stir the cheese in quickly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve immediately!!

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 211 g, Calories 472 kcal, Carbohydrate 46.3 g, Protein 19.9 g, Fat 22.9 g, SaturatedFat 14.1 g, Cholesterol 67 mg, Sodium 343 mg, Fiber 1.7 g, Sugar 5.9 g, UnsaturatedFat 7.8 g

ONE-POT MAC 'N' CHEESE



One-Pot Mac 'n' Cheese image

This one-pot wonder has humble beginnings: just milk and macaroni. As the pasta cooks, the starch released helps thicken the milk to make the perfect base for a sauce. The cheeses and seasonings are stirred in at the very end, and everything comes together magically.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 20m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 cups whole milk
3/4 pound elbow macaroni (about 3 cups)
8 ounces mild Cheddar, shredded (about 3 cups)
3 ounces part-skim mozzarella, shredded (about 1 cup)
2 ounces cream cheese, cut into small pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Large pinch cayenne pepper
Large pinch freshly grated nutmeg
Kosher salt

Steps:

  • Put the milk and macaroni in a medium saucepan. Bring the milk to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to keep the macaroni from clumping, then cook, stirring frequently, until the macaroni is tender and the milk has thickened to the consistency of heavy cream, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the Cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, butter, mustard, cayenne, nutmeg and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and stir until smooth, thick and creamy. Serve hot. (The dish will thicken as it cools; thin it out with a little hot water if desired.)

EASY ONE-POT MAC 'N' CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY



Easy One-pot Mac 'n' Cheese Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: whole milk, elbow macaroni, butter, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, fresh parsley

Provided by Matthew Johnson

Categories     Sides

Time 20m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

5 cups whole milk
1 box elbow macaroni
½ cup butter
2 cups cheddar cheese
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
fresh parsley, to serve

Steps:

  • In a large pot on medium-high heat, gently heat the milk to a simmer.
  • Add in the elbow macaroni. Cook until the pasta is tender.
  • Once the noodles are cooked, turn off the heat. Add in the butter, cheddar, salt, and pepper. Fold these ingredients with the pasta until the cheese and butter melt into the milk to create a thick sauce.
  • Sprinkle with parsley and serve!
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 758 calories, Carbohydrate 72 grams, Fat 37 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 32 grams, Sugar 12 grams

ONE-POT MAC AND CHEESE



One-Pot Mac and Cheese image

Who likes cleaning up after making mac and cheese? Not this girl. This one-pot mac and cheese is a family favorite, and my 3-year-old is thrilled to see it coming to the dinner table. We love to add sliced smoked sausage to this creamy mac recipe! -Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

3-1/2 cups whole milk
3 cups water
1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
4 ounces Velveeta, cubed
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, combine milk, water and macaroni; bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer until macaroni is tender and almost all the cooking liquid has been absorbed, 12-15 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low; stir in cheeses until melted. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 344 calories, Fat 14g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 42mg cholesterol, Sodium 450mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 16g protein.

ONE-PAN WHITE CHEDDAR MAC AND CHEESE



One-Pan White Cheddar Mac and Cheese image

If you can make boxed macaroni and cheese, you can make this one-pan, scratch-made mac and cheese! The bacon, chives, and crispy bread crumb topping add some great extra flavor and texture.

Provided by fabeveryday

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Pork

Time 25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
2 ½ cups milk
2 cups water
1 teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup margarine
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 ½ cups shredded white Cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
¼ cup panko bread crumbs
¼ cup real bacon bits
1 tablespoon snipped chives

Steps:

  • Combine macaroni, milk, water, garlic salt, and salt in a Dutch oven on a stovetop over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently so noodles don't stick to the pan, until noodles are soft and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 7 to 10 minutes.
  • Remove pot from heat and stir in margarine and pepper until melted. Stir in Cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese until melted.
  • Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.
  • Top pasta with bread crumbs, remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, and bacon bits.
  • Place Dutch oven under the broiler until topping is lightly browned and crispy, 1 to 3 minutes. Top with chives and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 584.9 calories, Carbohydrate 63.9 g, Cholesterol 53.5 mg, Fat 25.7 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 27.2 g, SaturatedFat 11.7 g, Sodium 1116 mg, Sugar 7.4 g

ONE-POT CHEESEBURGER MACARONI



One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni image

Nostalgic for the boxed cheeseburger macaroni dinner from your childhood? Then whip up this homemade version of Hamburger Helper that's just as satisfying as the classic. The recipe is super quick and budget-friendly, leaning on pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand. We use shredded Cheddar to make the dish extra cheesy and finish with chopped parsley for a fresh bite. Perhaps best of all: Everything cooks in one pot, even the pasta!

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound ground beef, 80/20
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
5 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth
10 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded Cheddar, about 8 ounces
4 ounces cream cheese
1 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves and tender stems, chopped, plus more for garnish, optional

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened 6 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper and stir to combine. Add the beef and break it up into small pieces with a large spoon; cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is cooked through and no longer pink in the center, 6 to 7 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and Dijon until combined. Pour in the chicken stock and 1 teaspoon salt, stir to combine and bring to a boil, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the elbow macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the pasta is al dente, 9 to 11 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the Cheddar and cream cheese until smooth. Fold in the parsley. Garnish with more parsley, if desired.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

BEST ONE POT CHEESE AND MACARONI



Best One Pot Cheese and Macaroni image

This recipe uses less milk and no thickener what-so-ever! Very cheesy, too! You can either serve it from the pot, or top with buttered crumbs and put in 350 oven to brown for half an hour, but we like ours fine without.

Provided by Jill Faucher-Ross

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 cups water
½ teaspoon salt
8 ounces seashell pasta
1 cup whole milk
4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Steps:

  • Pour water and salt into a medium pot and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the shell pasta, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the water has cooked down a bit, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the milk, and continue boiling for another 5 minutes. Add the Cheddar, Parmesan, pepper, and mustard; stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is thick and creamy. The starch from the pasta thickens the sauce as the pasta cooks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 518.2 calories, Carbohydrate 30.7 g, Cholesterol 92.8 mg, Fat 30.8 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 30.1 g, SaturatedFat 19.1 g, Sodium 930.4 mg, Sugar 3.5 g

ONE-POT BROCCOLI MAC AND CHEESE



One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese image

In the time it takes to make boxed macaroni and cheese, you can have a homemade version that's creamy with lots of sharp Cheddar, studded with broccoli and doesn't require making a roux. Instead, the sauce is thickened by the pasta's starch: As the noodles cook in milk, the milk thickens to the consistency of cream and the pasta absorbs the seasonings. Here, that's garlic powder, but you could also use mustard powder, ground cayenne or grated nutmeg like in traditional mac and cheese. The broccoli pieces end up soft and sweet, but if you want more bite, add them halfway through cooking.

Provided by Ali Slagle

Categories     dinner, easy, lunch, weekday, pastas, vegetables, main course, side dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 pound elbow macaroni
1 pound broccoli, stem and florets coarsely chopped
2 1/2 cups whole milk
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
8 ounces coarsely grated sharp Cheddar (about 2 cups)
Black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large pot or skillet, combine the macaroni, broccoli, milk, salt and garlic powder. Add 3 cups of water, and stir to combine. (The pasta may not be fully submerged. That's OK!) Bring to an active simmer over medium-high. Reduce the heat to medium to gently simmer. Cook, stirring often to ensure even cooking and to keep things from sticking to the bottom of the pot, until the pasta is tender, and the liquid resembles heavy cream and coats the noodles, 8 to 12 minutes. If the liquid evaporates so much that you don't see any between noodles, add 1/2 cup water. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the Cheddar. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Eat!

ONE-PAN OVEN MAC AND CHEESE



One-Pan Oven Mac and Cheese image

Remember the viral TikTok Feta Pasta? We're giving the same place-and-bake pasta method new life in the form of a decadent, four-cheese mac and cheese. In just under an hour, you'll get a creamy, crowd-pleasing side that's even easier to throw together than the box you grab off the shelf (but so much tastier). Feel free to mix in some truffle oil or top with crushed Ritz® crackers.

Provided by anncamp

Categories     100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes     Pasta by Shape Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

½ (8 ounce) package Fontina cheese
½ (8 ounce) package sharp Cheddar cheese
2 cups uncooked macaroni
1 ½ cups half-and-half
salt and ground black pepper to taste
¼ cup shredded white Cheddar cheese
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup milk

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Place blocks of Fontina and sharp Cheddar cheeses in the center of an ungreased, 9-inch square baking dish. Pour pasta into the dish, spreading evenly around the cheese. Pour half-and-half directly on top of the pasta and stir until evenly coated. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then top with shredded white Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, spreading evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Pull the dish out of the oven, stir in milk, and mix until noodles, cheese, and sauce are evenly combined. Return to the oven and cook until golden and bubbly, about 25 minutes more.
  • Stir and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 398.4 calories, Carbohydrate 30.4 g, Cholesterol 73.5 mg, Fat 22.3 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 18.8 g, SaturatedFat 13.7 g, Sodium 360.9 mg, Sugar 2.4 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the final dish. Use a good quality cheddar cheese that melts well, and use fresh pasta if you can.
  • Cook the pasta al dente. This means that it should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when you add it to the cheese sauce.
  • Make sure the cheese sauce is thick and creamy. This is the key to a good mac and cheese. Use a combination of different cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella, to create a rich and flavorful sauce.
  • Don't overcook the mac and cheese. Once the cheese sauce is melted and the pasta is coated, remove the dish from the heat. Overcooking will make the mac and cheese dry and crumbly.
  • Serve the mac and cheese immediately. This is when it is at its best. You can garnish it with fresh parsley, chives, or bacon bits.

Conclusion:

One-pan cheddar mac and cheese is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It is also a great comfort food that is sure to please everyone at the table. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious mac and cheese that is sure to become a family favorite.

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