Description
Skillet macaroni and cheese brings comfort right to your dinner table with a creamy, cheesy embrace that feels like a warm hug. Perfectly melted cheese and tender pasta create a classic dish that makes weeknight meals deliciously simple.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
Sauce and Binding Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Toppings:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Boil 2 cups of elbow macaroni in salted water at 212°F (100°C) for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain pasta completely and set aside.
- Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour for 1 minute, creating a smooth roux without browning.
- Gradually pour 2 cups whole milk and ½ cup heavy cream into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer at 180°F (82°C) for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Reduce heat to low and incorporate 2 cups cheddar cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, and 2 ounces cream cheese. Stir until cheese melts completely.
- Season sauce with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon mustard powder. Mix thoroughly.
- Fold cooked pasta into cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle gets coated. Heat at 200°F (93°C) for 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle ½ cup breadcrumbs and ¼ cup Parmesan across the top. Broil at 500°F (260°C) for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes before serving directly from the skillet.
Notes
- Always grate your own cheese to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce without the anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded cheese.
- Create a richer flavor by using a combination of sharp and mild cheddar cheeses instead of just one type.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta.
- Add protein by mixing in cooked bacon, diced ham, or rotisserie chicken directly into the finished mac and cheese for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 17-20 minutes
- Category: One-Skillet
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 523 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg