Best 5 Quick And Easy Mac And Cheese Recipes

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Indulge in the classic comfort food of macaroni and cheese, a dish that has captured hearts and taste buds for generations. This versatile dish comes in numerous variations, each boasting unique flavors and textures. From the classic stovetop mac and cheese, a symphony of creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, to the convenience of a one-pot baked mac and cheese that requires minimal effort, this article presents a collection of exceptional recipes that cater to every craving and skill level.

For those seeking a quick and easy fix, the 15-minute mac and cheese recipe offers a delightful blend of creamy cheddar cheese, tender macaroni, and a hint of Dijon mustard, all coming together in a speedy preparation. If you have a bit more time, the homemade mac and cheese recipe elevates the classic dish with a luscious homemade cheese sauce made from scratch, ensuring a rich and flavorful experience.

For a unique twist, try the buffalo chicken mac and cheese, where juicy buffalo chicken mingles with a creamy cheese sauce and macaroni, delivering a delightful combination of heat and comfort. Or, embark on a culinary journey to Italy with the sun-dried tomato pesto mac and cheese, where vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic pesto add a Mediterranean flair to the beloved dish.

If you're looking for a vegetarian option, the cauliflower mac and cheese offers a healthy and flavorful alternative, using cauliflower florets instead of pasta, while still delivering a satisfying and creamy cheese experience. And for those with dietary restrictions, the gluten-free mac and cheese ensures that everyone can enjoy this classic dish, using gluten-free pasta and a creamy cheese sauce made with almond milk.

No matter your preference, this article has the perfect mac and cheese recipe to tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul. So, gather your ingredients, let your culinary creativity shine, and embark on a delightful journey through the world of mac and cheese.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

QUICK MACARONI AND CHEESE



Quick Macaroni and Cheese image

This is the quickest good-tasting macaroni and cheese I know outside of my own from scratch recipe. Kids love it!

Provided by SABRINATEE

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

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup elbow macaroni
¼ cup milk
1 (20 ounce) package frozen macaroni and cheese
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven broiler. Grease a 1 1/2 quart microwave safe dish.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • Microwave frozen mac and cheese according to package directions.
  • Stir together macaroni, mac and cheese, milk and pepper in prepared dish. Mix well. Microwave on high 2 minutes, until heated through. Sprinkle with Cheddar and Parmesan and place under oven broiler. Broil until cheese is melted and beginning to brown, 2 to 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 466.1 calories, Carbohydrate 37.5 g, Cholesterol 63.8 mg, Fat 24.9 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 22.7 g, SaturatedFat 13.8 g, Sodium 811.4 mg, Sugar 3.8 g

EASIEST MAC-N-CHEESE EVER!



Easiest Mac-N-Cheese Ever! image

I have tried many more-complicated recipes for macaroni and cheese. Not only is this one often requested for family functions, but it is easy to make! Kids LOVE this recipe. It is so handy for busy moms.

Provided by Anncredible

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

Time 20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 4

4 ounces elbow macaroni
4 ounces cubed processed cheese food
2 fluid ounces milk
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes; drain.
  • Place a saucepan over medium-low heat. Combine the cheese food, milk, and pepper in the saucepan; cook until the cheese has melted, stirring frequently. Stir in the drained macaroni until evenly coated.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 136.2 calories, Carbohydrate 15.9 g, Cholesterol 15.7 mg, Fat 5.2 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 6.2 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 241.5 mg, Sugar 2.4 g

EASY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Easy Macaroni and Cheese image

A wonderful and easy Macaroni and cheese recipe. Have dinner ready for the hungry kids quickly. Serve alone or as a side dish.

Provided by Chelsea_

Categories     Cheese

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

230 g macaroni (uncooked)
3 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a saucepan over a medium heat.
  • Stir in flour and salt.
  • Add milk and macaroni to saucepan, and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat, and cover.
  • Simmer for 15 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
  • Add cheese, and stir until cheese melts.
  • Serve.

BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

A friend of mine sent this recipe to me when I got my first apartment, because she knows how much I hate cooking! It's really easy -- even I can make it -- and tastes great. I'm not sure where she found the recipe, but it included the note 'Good source of protein, vitamin A, B group vitamins, calcium.'

Provided by Meredith

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

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (12 ounce) package macaroni
1 egg
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
  • In a large pot of salted water, lightly boil the macaroni for about 5 minutes until half-cooked.
  • Whisk the egg and milk together in a large cup. Add butter and cheese to the egg and milk. Stir well.
  • Place the lightly cooked macaroni in the prepared baking dish. Pour the egg and cheese liquid over the macaroni, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and stir well. Press the mixture evenly around the baking dish.
  • Bake uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 968.1 calories, Carbohydrate 92.6 g, Cholesterol 194.2 mg, Fat 45.4 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 45.6 g, SaturatedFat 27.6 g, Sodium 736 mg, Sugar 11.2 g

QUICK AND EASY MAC AND CHEESE



Quick and Easy Mac and Cheese image

It is Friday or "Funday" and that is what this Mac and Cheese is all about!!

Provided by Catherine Cappiello Pappas

Categories     Pasta

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 7

8 oz. cheddar cheese - cubed
1 cup milk
4 tablespoons butter
¼ tsp. garlic powder
¼ tsp. black pepper
¼ tsp. salt
1 lb. your favorite macaroni

Steps:

  • 1. Heat a large frying pan and add the milk, butter and cheese. Cook macaroni as directed. Lift out of the water with a slated spoon and add to the milk and cheese. Lower heat and toss until all of the cheese is incorporated with the macaroni.

Tips:

  • Use a good quality cheese. A sharp cheddar will give you the best flavor.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. It should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • Use a roux to thicken the cheese sauce. This will help to prevent it from becoming too thin or watery.
  • Add some extras to your mac and cheese. Diced ham, bacon, or vegetables are all great options.
  • Serve your mac and cheese immediately. It's best when it's hot and gooey.

Conclusion:

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that's loved by people of all ages. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Whether you like it simple or loaded with extras, there's a mac and cheese recipe out there for everyone. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give one of these recipes a try.

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