Best Homemade Instant Mac And Cheese Recipes

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"INSTANT" MAC AND CHEESE



No-boil, no-bake, one-pan mac and cheese is not just possibly simple, but simply possible! On top of producing awesome taste and texture, the whole procedure only took a few minutes longer than the boxed stuff; not to mention we avoided about a dozen ingredients we probably shouldn't be eating. Just make sure to grate your own (high-quality) Cheddar and turn off the heat as soon as the cheese melts, and the process should go smoothly.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Everyday Cooking     Vegetarian     Side Dishes

Time 28m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 pinch dried mustard
1 very small pinch ground nutmeg
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 cup elbow macaroni
½ cup panko bread crumbs
1 cup freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup freshly shredded white Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Bring milk, salt, cayenne, mustard, nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon butter to a simmer in a pot over medium heat. Stir in macaroni. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until firm yet tender to the bite, about 8 minutes. Do not undercook.
  • Meanwhile, melt remaining butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add bread crumbs and toast until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Stir cheeses into the cooked macaroni. Reduce heat to low and stir just until melted. Turn off heat, cover, and let sit for 3 minutes. Uncover, stir, and season to taste.
  • Spoon mac and cheese into warm serving bowls; sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 539.4 calories, Carbohydrate 35.8 g, Cholesterol 100.9 mg, Fat 34.6 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 24.6 g, SaturatedFat 21.4 g, Sodium 987.1 mg, Sugar 6.6 g

5-INGREDIENT INSTANT POT MAC AND CHEESE



5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese image

We love multi-purpose kitchen gadgets that make life easier, so that's why the Instant Pot (a slow cooker, pressure cooker and stove-top stand-in, all in one) is a go-to for quick meals. Especially this creamy kid-friendly mac and cheese, which cooks up in no time. And after it's been gobbled up, you'll only have one pot to clean!

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 pound elbow macaroni
Kosher salt
One 12-ounce can evaporated milk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cups shredded mild or medium Cheddar

Steps:

  • Combine the macaroni, 4 cups water and 1 tablespoon salt in a 6- or 8-quart Instant Pot® multi-cooker (see Cook's Note). Follow the manufacturer's guide for locking the lid and preparing to cook. Set to pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.
  • After the pressure cook cycle is complete follow the manufacturer's guide for quick release and wait until the cycle is complete. Being careful of any remaining steam, unlock and remove the lid and switch to the low saute setting.
  • Stir in the evaporated milk, butter and 1/4 cup water. Then add the Cheddar, a little at time, while constantly stirring, until the cheese is completely melted. Serve hot.

HOMEMADE INSTANT MAC AND CHEESE



Homemade Instant Mac and Cheese image

What do people want from boxed mac and cheese? More cheese! This D.I.Y. version is extra cheesy but just as easy. Plus you can make it with any shape pasta you choose.

Provided by Rhoda Boone

Categories     Dinner     Quick & Easy     Pasta     Kid-Friendly     Cheese     Cheddar     Cheese Week     Small Plates

Yield 4-6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 pound dried short pasta, such as macaroni, penne, or fusilli
Kosher salt
1 1/4 cups whole or low-fat milk
1 cup cheddar cheese powder (see Cooks' Note)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Steps:

  • Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until just al dente. Meanwhile, whisk milk and cheese powder in a medium bowl.
  • Drain pasta and return to pot. Heat over low. Add butter and stir until melted and evenly coated, about 2 minutes. Add milk mixture and cook, stirring, until pasta is well coated and sauce thickens, 3-5 minutes. Taste and season with salt, if needed (some cheese powders will not require additional salt). Serve immediately.

HOMEMADE MAC AND CHEESE



Homemade Mac and Cheese image

This is a nice rich mac and cheese. Serve with a salad for a great meatless dinner. Hope you enjoy it.

Provided by Judy

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

Time 50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups milk
¼ cup butter
2 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup bread crumbs
1 pinch paprika

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to the package directions. Drain.
  • In a saucepan, melt butter or margarine over medium heat. Stir in enough flour to make a roux. Add milk to roux slowly, stirring constantly. Stir in cheeses, and cook over low heat until cheese is melted and the sauce is a little thick. Put macaroni in large casserole dish, and pour sauce over macaroni. Stir well.
  • Melt butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and brown. Spread over the macaroni and cheese to cover. Sprinkle with a little paprika.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 858.2 calories, Carbohydrate 66.7 g, Cholesterol 141.6 mg, Fat 48.7 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 37.7 g, SaturatedFat 29.9 g, Sodium 879.3 mg, Sugar 10.7 g

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