Description
One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese with cheddar and bacon. Quick, comforting, and crowd-pleasing recipe for a delicious meal in one pot.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (454g) elbow macaroni or medium shells
- 4 cups (946ml) low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups (473ml) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 8 oz (227g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 4 oz (113g) Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine Ingredients In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, combine the macaroni, chicken broth, milk, butter, garlic powder, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Step 2: Boil Mixture Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Continue cooking for about 8-10 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. The mixture should still look somewhat soupy, as the sauce will thicken further with the addition of cheese.
- Step 3: Add Cream Cheese Remove the pot from heat completely. Let the mixture rest for about 30 seconds, then add the cubed cream cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Add Cheeses Gradually Gradually add the grated cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, a handful at a time. Stir continuously between additions until each portion is fully melted before adding more.
- Step 5: Season and Serve Season your One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese with salt and pepper to taste. Give the mixture a final stir and let it rest for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly before serving. If the sauce seems too thick, add a small splash of warm milk to reach your desired consistency.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg