One Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe! (2024)

Bless This Mess Recipes

By Melissa

4.96 from 23 votes

on Apr 29, 2022, Updated Apr 12, 2023

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This One Pot Macaroni and Cheese is so simple that you will wonder why you haven’t always been making it this way. Ready in 15 minutes and 1 pot to clean- I’m sold!

This recipe is extra easy because you cook the macaroni right in the milk that helps to make the sauce. There’s no water to boil ornoodles to rinse. You just cook it all in one pan and it’s done in about 20 minutes. And now you know how to make mac and cheese at home!

One Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe! (2)

Table of Contents

  • One Pot Mac and Cheese
  • How to Make Mac and Cheese
  • Creamy One Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

One Pot Mac and Cheese

I have all kind of macaroni and cheese recipes on the blog, and today I have a Creamy One Pot Macaroni and Cheese to add to the collection. This is a great recipe to make for lunch when your kids are in the mood for something simple, hot, and filling, and you need something that comes together in without any fuss. This recipe is so easy and we loved the extra creamy results.

My other stove-top macaroni and cheese recipe is still a favorite, but I don’t always have canned milk on hand. The difference between the two is that this recipes makes a really thick and sticky macaroni and cheese (it almost has the texture and taste of baked macaroni to me), and the other recipe has almost a runny sauce to it. They are both excellent but different enough that I wanted to share both recipes.

One Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe! (3)

How to Make Mac and Cheese

  1. Homemade mac and cheese is something that everyone can cook! It is so quick to make and takes very little effort. Before you start cooking, you will want to get out and measure all of the ingredients (there’s only 5) so you are ready to roll.
  2. This mac and cheese recipe is unique because you cook the noodles right in the milk. This technique creates the creamiest result. Start by using a large pot add the milk, butter, and macaroni noodles. Turn the burner on to medium and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring often. iIf the milk seems to stick to the bottom of the pan simply reduce the heat. Stir often until the noodles are cooked, about 15-18 minutes.
  3. Slow and low if your friend with mac and cheese. If you cook this step too fast and hot, the milk will curdle. Next, stir in the cheese and salt until everything is melted.
  4. Depending on the type and sharpness of cheese you may want to add up to another cup of cheese. Give it a little taste test. I used a moderately sharp cheddar and liked it at about 1 and ¼ cups of cheese. If I had used something milder I think I would have used more. I’ve made this a handful of times and each time I seem to use a different amount of cheese, depending on my mood and how much cheese I have in the fridge. Mac and Cheese is best served right away, so dish up and enjoy!
One Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe! (4)

Frequently Asked Questions:

What pasta is best for mac and cheese?

I prefer elbow macaroni but you can mix it up with bow tie, fusilli or penne pasta.

Do I need to drain the pasta with the one pot mac and cheese method?

You don’t need to drain the pasta in this recipe. When you cook the pasta directly in the milk it will be extra creamy and the sauce sticks to the pasta so much better.

What is the best milk to use for mac and cheese?

In order to get the full creaminess factor, I recommend using whole milk or at least 2%.

Can you use water instead of milk for mac and cheese?

You can use water instead, but your mac n cheese will lack in creaminess.

How do you fix runny mac and cheese?

If you end up having too much liquid in your macaroni and cheese, just simply bring the contents back to a boil. Boil the milk down to the desired level. Make sure you stir constantly or the milk or cheese will burn on the bottom of your pot.

Does mac and cheese make good leftovers?

This stuff in the blue box is not ideal for leftovers. In fact, it is the worst. The sauce gets powdery and is just a weird texture. But this one pot mac n cheese tastes SO good reheated. You still have the creamy factor and the flavors have a chance to deepen. I recommend eating the leftovers within 1-2 days and store it properly in the refrigerator.

One Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe! (5)

If you’ve tried thiseasyhomemademacaroni and cheese recipeor any other recipe on Bless this Mess, then don’t forget torate the recipeand leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some pictures of it, share it with me onInstagramso I can repost on my stories AND add your photo to your comment so that other can see your creation.

One Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe! (6)

4.96 from 23 votes

Creamy One Pot Macaroni and Cheese

By: Melissa Griffiths

This One Pot Macaroni and Cheese is so easy! Cook the macaroni right in the milk that's used to make the sauce. Creamy, delicious & ready in 15 minutes!

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 10 minutes mins

Total: 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups whole or 2% milk
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
  • 1 to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • More salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a large pot add the milk, butter, and macaroni noodles. Turn the burner on to medium and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring often.

  • Reduce the heat if the milk seems to stick to the bottom of the pan and stir often until the noodles are cooked though, about 15-18 minutes. Slow and low if your friend here, if you cook this step too fast and hot, the milk will curdle.

  • Stir in the cheese and salt until everything is melted.

  • Depending on the type and sharpness of cheese you may want to add up to another cup of cheese. Taste it and see. I used a moderately sharp cheddar and liked it at about 1 and 1/4 cups of cheese. If I had used something milder I think I would have used more. I’ve made this a handful of times and each time I seem to use a different amount of cheese, depending on my mood and how much cheese I have in the fridge.

  • Serve right away.

Video

Notes

  • Don’t boil the noodles, just a gentle simmer; the milk will curdle and you’ll have a gross texture to your mac and cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 of 4 servings, Calories: 397kcal, Carbohydrates: 39.9g, Protein: 17.2g, Fat: 18.6g, Cholesterol: 53.9mg, Sodium: 268mg, Sugar: 7.9g

Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

Macaroni and Cheese recipes you need to try:

  • Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese
  • Easy No-bake Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
  • Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon

Try my other pasta dishes:

  • The Best Make-Ahead Lasagna
  • Easy Chicken Parmesan
  • Stuffed Manicotti Recipe

One Pot Macaroni and Cheese is a cinch! In just 15 minutes you will be devouring this creamy, delicious and ultimate comfort food. Enjoy!

About Melissa

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One Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe! (2024)

FAQs

Is one box of mac and cheese enough for 2 people? ›

A typical box of macaroni and cheese has "about 4 servings per container".

What can I add to mac and cheese to make it better? ›

8 Ways to Elevate Your Macaroni and Cheese Dinners
  1. Add extra cheese to your dish.
  2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n' cheese.
  3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
  4. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
  5. Add spices and fresh herbs to your dish.
May 21, 2022

Can you make mac and cheese with water instead of milk? ›

You most definitely can use water in place of milk in any pasta recipe including mac and cheese. It is how I make mine, in fact, and it is just as healthy and delicious. The thing is that it will make it not as creamy and perhaps less thick.

How much macaroni is enough for 2 people? ›

When you cook pasta, 2 ounces (56 g) of dry pasta per person is a good rule of thumb to follow. What does 2 ounces (56 g) of dry pasta look like? It depends on the shape.

How many cups of macaroni for 2 people? ›

Measuring Elbow Macaroni

(57 g) serving is 1/2 cup of dried pasta. Two servings = 1 cup; four servings = 2 cups; six servings = 3 cups; eight servings = 4 cups.

Why is my homemade mac and cheese so thick? ›

While cream can add a lot of flavor, too much of a good thing is just that: too much. A lot of heavy cream can create too thick of a sauce that doesn't contain enough water content to keep everything saucy. Make sure to use primarily whole milk for your cheese sauce, and if you do use cream, use it sparingly.

How do you keep mac and cheese creamy? ›

Add more milk if you haven't already. More milk leads to less dry mac and cheese. If that doesn't work and you've already tried, use a different type of cheese. Velveeta works well.

What thickens mac and cheese? ›

Unsalted Butter + All-Purpose Flour: The combination of these creates a roux, which thickens the cheese sauce. Milk: The base of the cheese sauce! I recommend using whole milk for a richer, thicker sauce, but 2% will also work.

Which cheese is better for mac and cheese? ›

What Is the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese? Sharp cheddar is the overwhelming popular choice, but for extra-creamy results, we think medium cheddar is even better. Other delicious options include Gruyère, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack.

Can I use yogurt instead of milk for mac and cheese? ›

Finally, using a plain yogurt is one of the best options for replacing milk in kraft mac and cheese! A plain whole milk yogurt or a greek yogurt would work well. Mix it in the same way you'd mix in sour cream, until it is well incorporated. This may have a slightly tangier flavor, but that is a personal preference.

What is the most common thing added to mac and cheese? ›

Crispy and golden breadcrumbs are the most traditional addition to mac and cheese. The interplay of texture between soft pasta and rich, buttery breadcrumbs is the reason why this combination has endured the test of time.

Is it better to use evaporated milk or regular milk in mac and cheese? ›

Key #2: Use Evaporated Milk

Evaporated milk is a highly concentrated source of milk protein micelles—bundles of proteins that can act as powerful emulsifying agents—which help to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.

What kind of milk is best for mac and cheese? ›

Milk: Keeps our cheese sauce super creamy. I use whole milk or reduced-fat milk. Mustard and spices: A combination of Dijon mustard, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt makes this macaroni and cheese extra delicious. Cheese: I use white cheddar and parmesan or pecorino cheese.

Can I use sour cream instead of milk? ›

In fact, you can substitute sour cream for milk almost anytime the recipe calls for less than a cup of milk. One of the most common ingredients to use milk with is potatoes. Spuds love dairy, so if a recipe calls for milk, sour cream almost always works in its place.

How many servings in a box of mac and cheese? ›

Kraft Mac and Cheese Calories

2 Each box has three one-cup servings, so an entire box has 1,050 calories.

How many servings in a mac and cheese box? ›

Each 14 oz box makes about 4 servings so everyone can enjoy our noodlefuls of delight. Eat something everyone will smile about with Kraft Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese.

How much macaroni and cheese per person? ›

Figure five ounces of pasta and 2 ounces of cheese per person.

Can I eat a whole box of Kraft mac and cheese? ›

Overeating: Consuming a large quantity of any food, including macaroni and cheese, can put a strain on your digestive system.

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