"Instant" Mac and Cheese

4.0
(25)
24 Reviews
12 Photos

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.

By
John Mitzewich
Chef John
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes. He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques.
Allrecipes' editorial guidelines
Updated on April 15, 2020
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Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Additional Time:
3 mins
Total Time:
28 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 servings
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole milk

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste

  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

  • 1 pinch dried mustard (Optional)

  • 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

Directions

  1. 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.

  2. Meanwhile, melt remaining butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add bread crumbs and toast until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.

  3. 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.

  4. Spoon mac and cheese into warm serving bowls; sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top.

Chef's Notes:

If replacing kosher with fine salt, use 1/2 teaspoon.

Use 2 packed cups of any variety of Cheddar you prefer.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

539 Calories
35g Fat
36g Carbs
25g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 539
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 35g 44%
Saturated Fat 21g 107%
Cholesterol 101mg 34%
Sodium 987mg 43%
Total Carbohydrate 36g 13%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 25g 49%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 600mg 46%
Iron 1mg 8%
Potassium 301mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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