Creamy One-Pot Gourmet Mac & Cheese Delight
Indulge in a luscious bowl of gourmet mac and cheese that elevates the classic comfort food to new heights! Featuring the rich flavors of sharp old cheddar blended with creamy milk, all cooked seamlessly in a single pot, this delightful dish offers convenience without sacrificing taste. Perfectly satisfying and oh-so-cheesy, it’s an instant family favorite that promises to be a hit at any table. Whether enjoyed on a cozy night in or served to impress guests, this creamy one-pot mac and cheese is sure to become a beloved staple in your home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni or pasta shells
8 ounces (uncooked)
old cheddar cheese or extra-old cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
milk
1.5 cups (none)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (none)
dry mustard or Dijon mustard
0.5 teaspoons (none)
pepper
0.25 teaspoons (none)
ground nutmeg
1 pinch (none)
hot pepper sauce
to taste (optional)
additional old cheddar cheese or extra-old cheddar cheese
to garnish (optional)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni (or pasta shells) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the shredded cheese, milk, flour, dry mustard (or Dijon), pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, return it to the pot over medium heat. Pour the cheese mixture into the pot with the pasta and stir well to combine.
4
Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes. The sauce should thicken and become creamy.
5
Adjust the seasoning with hot pepper sauce if desired. To add an extra cheesy touch, garnish with additional cheddar cheese before serving. Enjoy immediately!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy One-Pot Gourmet Mac & Cheese Delight?
It is a luscious gourmet version of classic macaroni and cheese that features sharp old cheddar and a creamy sauce made in a single pot.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 9 ingredients in total.
What type of pasta should I use?
You can use 8 ounces of uncooked elbow macaroni or pasta shells.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
Old cheddar cheese or extra-old cheddar cheese is recommended for its rich flavor.
How much cheese is needed for the sauce?
You will need 2 cups of shredded old or extra-old cheddar cheese.
How much milk is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of milk.
What is the purpose of adding flour?
Two tablespoons of all-purpose flour are used to help thicken the cheese sauce.
Can I use Dijon mustard instead of dry mustard?
Yes, you can use 0.5 teaspoons of either dry mustard or Dijon mustard.
Is there any nutmeg in this mac and cheese?
Yes, a pinch of ground nutmeg is added to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
Should the pasta be cooked al dente?
Yes, the elbow macaroni or shells should be cooked until al dente according to package instructions.
Do I need a blender for this recipe?
Yes, a blender or food processor is used to combine the cheese, milk, flour, and spices until smooth.
How long does it take to thicken the sauce?
The mixture should be stirred constantly over medium heat for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
Is this recipe considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is designed to be cooked seamlessly in a single pot for convenience.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the seasoning with hot pepper sauce to your preference.
How should I garnish the mac and cheese?
You can garnish the dish with additional shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as an instant family favorite and kid-friendly.
What is the total amount of pasta needed?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of uncooked pasta.
Should I salt the pasta water?
Yes, you should bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the macaroni.
What heat setting should be used to cook the sauce?
The sauce and pasta mixture should be cooked over medium heat.
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
Yes, either a blender or a food processor will work to create a smooth cheese mixture.
What amount of pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 0.25 teaspoons of pepper.
Is the hot pepper sauce mandatory?
No, the hot pepper sauce is optional and should be added to taste.
Do I drain the pasta before adding the sauce?
Yes, you must drain the pasta and then return it to the pot before adding the cheese mixture.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include macaroni and cheese, comfort food, one-pot meal, easy recipe, gourmet mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, kid-friendly, and family meal.
Should the sauce be stirred while cooking?
Yes, you should stir the mixture constantly for about 5 minutes to ensure it becomes creamy.
What texture should the cheese mixture have after blending?
It should be blended until it is completely smooth and creamy.
Is the extra cheese for garnish included in the 2 cups?
No, the recipe lists additional cheese for garnish separately from the 2 cups used in the sauce.
When should this dish be served?
It is best enjoyed immediately after the sauce has thickened and the garnish is added.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that offers convenience without sacrificing taste.
Can I use pasta shells instead of elbows?
Yes, the recipe specifically states that elbow macaroni or pasta shells can be used.