Single Serving Macaroni and Cheese
Make this single serving mac and cheese next time a craving hits! It's perfect when you need one bowl but don't want to make a big batch. Made in just one pot on the stovetop, this macaroni and cheese is easy, creamy, made from scratch, and perfect for one (or two)!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pasta, with nooks & crannies (shells, elbows, etc.)
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup freshly-grated cheese (I like sharp cheddar and Parmesan)
- Kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
- Breadcrumbs, bacon, broccoli, onions, etc., if desired
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
Instructions
- Fill a medium saucepan with water and add a few generous pinches of salt. Bring to a boil. Then, boil the pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and return the pot back to the stove.
- Melt the butter in the pot over medium heat. Add the flour and spices and whisk to make a thick roux.
- Next, slowly whisk the milk into the roux. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the cheese. Stir until smooth. Taste and add salt, pepper, and more spices if needed.
- Fold the pasta into the cheese sauce. At this point, you can add any mix-ins such as cooked bacon, broccoli, etc. and eat straight from the pan.
- To make baked mac and cheese, spoon the pasta into a greased, heatproof dish. Sprinkle more cheese and breadcrumbs over the top and broil on high for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melty and golden-brown.
Notes
You can use any spices you like in this recipe. The above garlic powder/paprika/ground mustard is my go-to, but cayenne, onion powder, smoked paprika, and nutmeg are other classics.
Use freshly-grated cheese to avoid grainy sauce.
Double this recipe to make mac and cheese for two - so easy!
Make sure to taste the cheese sauce before adding the pasta. Since different cheeses have different salt levels, you might need to add a pinch or two of Kosher salt.
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 459kcal, Carbohydrates: 39.4g, Protein: 16.7g, Fat: 25.7g, Saturated Fat: 15.5g, Cholesterol: 72mg, Sodium: 305mg, Potassium: 296mg, Fiber: 1.7g, Sugar: 8.1g, Calcium: 347mg, Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @sundaytable.co on Instagram!