Best 13 Easy Mac N Cheese Recipes

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Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and loved by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be customized with a variety of ingredients and flavors. Whether you are a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, there is an easy mac n cheese recipe out there for you. This article will provide you with some of the best recipes for easy mac n cheese, so you can find the perfect one to satisfy your cravings.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

EASY CREAMY MAC 'N CHEESE



Easy Creamy Mac 'N Cheese image

Our recipe for Easy Creamy Mac 'N Cheese has only 5 ingredients and is on the table in less than 30 minutes. What's not to love about that?! Whether you serve it on the side or as a main dish, it's comfort food that the whole family will love.

Provided by Country Crock®

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Country Crock®

Time 20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 5

8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 ½ cups milk
¼ cup Country Crock® Spread
2 tablespoons flour
1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta in large pot according to package directions.
  • Meanwhile, whisk milk, Country Crock® Spread, and flour in large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently. Reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in cheese until melted; remove from heat. Drain pasta and fold into the sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 292.3 calories, Carbohydrate 33.1 g, Cholesterol 34.5 mg, Fat 11.2 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 14.2 g, SaturatedFat 6.8 g, Sodium 202.7 mg, Sugar 4 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

SIMPLE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Simple Macaroni and Cheese image

A very quick and easy fix to a tasty side-dish. Fancy, designer mac and cheese often costs forty or fifty dollars to prepare when you have so many exotic and expensive cheeses, but they aren't always the best tasting. This recipe is cheap and tasty.

Provided by g0dluvsugly

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

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (8 ounce) box elbow macaroni
¼ cup butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
ground black pepper to taste
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.
  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth, about 5 minutes. Slowly pour milk into butter-flour mixture while continuously stirring until mixture is smooth and bubbling, about 5 minutes. Add Cheddar cheese to milk mixture and stir until cheese is melted, 2 to 4 minutes.
  • Fold macaroni into cheese sauce until coated.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 630.2 calories, Carbohydrate 55 g, Cholesterol 99.6 mg, Fat 33.6 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 26.5 g, SaturatedFat 20.9 g, Sodium 777 mg, Sugar 7.6 g

MACARONI AND CHEESE



Macaroni and Cheese image

When it comes to comfort food, nothing tops mac 'n' cheese, especially Martha's easy-to-make version.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Yield Serves 12

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for dish
6 slices good white bread, crusts removed, torn into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces
5 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
4 1/2 cups grated sharp white cheddar cheese (about 18 ounces)
2 cups grated Gruyere cheese (about 8 ounces) or 1 1/4 cups grated Pecorino Romano cheese (about 5 ounces)
1 pound elbow macaroni

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 3-quart casserole dish; set aside. Place bread in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Pour butter into bowl with bread, and toss. Set breadcrumbs aside.
  • In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, heat milk. Melt remaining 6 tablespoons butter in a high-sided skillet over medium heat. When butter bubbles, add flour. Cook, whisking, 1 minute.
  • While whisking, slowly pour in hot milk. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the mixture bubbles and becomes thick.
  • Remove pan from heat. Stir in salt, nutmeg, black pepper, cayenne pepper, 3 cups cheddar cheese, and 1 1/2 cups Gruyere or 1 cup Pecorino Romano; set cheese sauce aside.
  • Fill a large saucepan with water; bring to a boil. Add macaroni; cook 2 to 3 minutes less than manufacturer's directions, until the outside of pasta is cooked and the inside is underdone. (Different brands of macaroni cook at different rates; be sure to read the instructions.) Transfer macaroni to a colander, rinse under cold running water, and drain well. Stir macaroni into the reserved cheese sauce
  • Pour mixture into prepared dish. Sprinkle remaining 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup Gruyere or 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano, and breadcrumbs over top. Bake until browned on top, about 30 minutes. Transfer dish to a wire rack to cool 5 minutes; serve hot.

3-INGREDIENT MAC & CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY



3-ingredient Mac & Cheese Recipe by Tasty image

Nothing says comforting and classic like mac and cheese. Remember when you were a little kid and you sat down at the dinner table? There it was: a glorious pot of mac and cheese. Ooey, gooey, and oh-so-delightful. Well, we're taking you back there with our 3-ingredient mac-hack. That's right: only three ingredients to bliss. It's so good, you'll never go back to the boxed stuff!

Provided by Alvin Zhou

Categories     Sides

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 3

5 cups milk
1 lb elbow macaroni, dry
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • In a large pot, bring the milk to a boil.
  • Add the pasta and stir constantly until the pasta is cooked, about 10 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat, then add the cheddar. Stir until the cheese is melted and the pasta is evenly coated.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 803 calories, Carbohydrate 100 grams, Fat 27 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 37 grams, Sugar 18 grams

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

DELICIOUS AND EASY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Delicious and Easy Macaroni and Cheese image

The only mac and cheese recipe you'll ever need- no funny ingredients, minimal effort and grand on taste!

Provided by atlantamom

Categories     Cheese

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup half-and-half
1 pinch cayenne
salt and pepper
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon butter, melted, for the casserole

Steps:

  • Boil the macaroni for 4 minutes or until half-cooked (salt the water!)
  • In a medium saucepan heat the half-and-half with cayenne, salt and pepper. Add macaroni and 1 1/2 cups of the cheese and cook on medium heat until the cheese melts. Pour into a buttered casserole and top with remaining cheese.
  • Bake in a preheated 350F oven for 15 minutes until the cheese melts.

EASY CROCK POT MACARONI AND CHEESE



Easy Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese image

From Company's Coming Slow Cooker Recipes. I love to make this when my kids have skating lessons. I can throw it into the crockpot after school and when lessons are over, dinner is waiting. If you are lucky enough to have two crock pots, you can have a glazed ham going in the other one and your dinner is ready to go!

Provided by Pamela

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 2h10m

Yield 4 cups, 3 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons minced onions
1/2 teaspoon paprika
3 cups milk
1 1/2 cups of grated cheddar cheese (or your favourite kind of cheese)
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

Steps:

  • Spray crockpot with non-stick spray for easy cleaning.
  • In a saucepan, combine first 5 ingredients.
  • Pour in milk and stir with a whisk until no lumps remain.
  • Heat and continue stirring until mixture boils and is thickened.
  • Add cheese and then macaroni.
  • Stir until well mixed.
  • Pour into 3 1/2 quart (3. 5L) slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook on low for 2-2 1/2 hours or on high for 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 685.7, Fat 28.9, SaturatedFat 17.7, Cholesterol 93.5, Sodium 1250.6, Carbohydrate 73.2, Fiber 2.8, Sugar 2.5, Protein 32.4

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.

EASY CHEESY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Easy Cheesy Macaroni and Cheese image

I have been making this macaroni and cheese for a while now. It satisfies my cheese craving. This stove top recipe doesn't take much longer than the box stuff, but tastes like homemade without the preservatives. This is definitely comfort food!

Provided by Mary N.

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 25m

Yield 3-4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 ounces elbow macaroni (or whatever shape you prefer)
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup 2% low-fat milk
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
4 -5 dashes Frank's red hot sauce (do not use Tobasco)
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Melt butter in large saucepan. When melted, whisk in the flour until incorporated and cook for 30 seconds or so until thickened.
  • Slowly pour in cream and milk while whisking. Cook until thickened on low heat, whisking frequently. Usually 3-4 minutes.
  • Remove pot from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, hot sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. Once all the cheese has melted, add macaroni and stir well. Adjust salt and pepper per taste.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 961.7, Fat 62.5, SaturatedFat 38.7, Cholesterol 205.1, Sodium 528.2, Carbohydrate 71, Fiber 2.7, Sugar 6.7, Protein 29.5

FANCY-BUT-EASY MAC N' CHEESE



Fancy-But-Easy Mac N' Cheese image

Want a quick and easy Mac n' Cheese that looks like you spent all day working on it? This is the recipe.

Provided by Nadine

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

Time 1h20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 small red onion, diced
1 (16 ounce) package small pasta shells
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch garlic salt
1 tablespoon butter
¼ cup brown sugar
3 (11 ounce) cans condensed cream of Cheddar cheese soup
⅔ cup shredded Havarti cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 ⅓ cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Place the diced onion in a large pot of lightly-salted water; bring to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes; drain. Transfer the onion and pasta to a casserole dish; season with salt, pepper, and garlic salt. Stir the butter and brown sugar into the pasta mixture until the butter melts. Add the Cheddar cheese soup, Havarti cheese, Parmesan cheese and 1/3 cup of Cheddar cheese; stir well. Sprinkle remaining Cheddar cheese over top of the dish.
  • Bake in preheated oven about 45 minutes. Change oven setting to 'Broil' and cook until top is golden brown, about 4 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 505.5 calories, Carbohydrate 56 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Fat 23.1 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 20.4 g, SaturatedFat 14.1 g, Sodium 1175.3 mg, Sugar 7.9 g

CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Creamy Macaroni and Cheese image

This is the ultimate creamy mac and cheese recipe. It's saucy, thick and very rich, with a wonderful cheddar flavor. Once you taste it, you'll be hooked. -Cindy Hartley, Chesapeake, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 to 2 cups 2% milk
1 cup sour cream
8 ounces cubed Velveeta
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. , Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add 1-1/2 cups milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat; stir in sour cream, Velveeta, Parmesan cheese, salt, mustard and pepper until smooth and cheese is melted. Add additional milk to reach desired consistency. , Drain macaroni; toss with cheddar cheese. Transfer to a greased 3-qt. baking dish. Stir in cream sauce. , Bake, uncovered, 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 653 calories, Fat 46g fat (30g saturated fat), Cholesterol 143mg cholesterol, Sodium 1141mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 25g protein.

EASY MAC AND CHEESE



Easy Mac and Cheese image

This is from Aunt Debbie who got it from someone else. It is about the easiest mac and cheese to be made. My 4 year old daughter loves this. This is about as easy as you can get. You can add other ingredients after about 45 minutes according to my sister in law. I like it just with cheese.

Provided by Kaitlinsmom

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h15m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

6 tablespoons butter
1 lb macaroni, uncooked
2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
4 cups cheddar cheese
1/2 gallon skim milk

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Put butter, salt, and pepper in 13x9 pan. Place in oven to melt butter.
  • When butter is melted, add uncooked macaroni. Toss to coat with butter.
  • Cover buttered, uncooked macaroni with all of the cheese.
  • Place pan on a cookie sheet and place on rack in middle of oven. DO THIS BEFORE ADDING MILK. THE PAN WILL BE VERY FULL AFTER NEXT STEP!
  • Pour milk over noodles/cheese.
  • Bake at 350 for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Cool for about 10-15 minutes until set.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 410, Fat 19.2, SaturatedFat 12, Cholesterol 58, Sodium 768.9, Carbohydrate 37.9, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 1.2, Protein 20.8

Tips:

  • Macaroni Type: Use a short pasta shape like elbow macaroni, shells, or penne for a classic mac and cheese.
  • Cheese Selection: Choose a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor. Cheddar is a classic, but you can also add Parmesan, Gruyère, or fontina for a richer taste.
  • Milk and Cream: Use a combination of milk and cream to create a creamy and flavorful sauce. Whole milk or half-and-half can be used for a richer sauce, while skim milk or low-fat milk can be used for a lighter version.
  • Seasonings: Don't be afraid to experiment with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper to add flavor to your mac and cheese.
  • Cook the Pasta Perfectly: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. It's important to not overcook the pasta, as it will become mushy when mixed with the cheese sauce.
  • Make a Roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the cheese sauce. It helps to create a smooth and creamy consistency.
  • Add the Cheese Gradually: Add the cheese to the sauce gradually, stirring constantly until it is melted and smooth. This will prevent the cheese from clumping.
  • Serve Immediately: Serve the mac and cheese immediately after it is made, while it is still hot and bubbly. You can also top it with additional cheese, breadcrumbs, or cooked bacon.

Conclusion:

Mac and cheese is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious and satisfying mac and cheese at home. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your perfect mac and cheese recipe.

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