After the wild success of my Live Cook of my Simple Mac n Cheese, I decided to finally publish the recipe. Also, that was sarcasm – thank you to the TWO people who joined me… for those of you who couldn’t make it, I hope you’ll join us on the next Live Cook (there has been a request for the Deep Fried Pickled Beets so stay tuned)
In all seriousness, this Mac n Cheese recipe really is simple, hence why the word simple is in the name. A throw it all in the pot, stir and eat type of dish. No fancy cheese sauce here! I used marble and mild cheddar cheeses in mine since that is what I had in the fridge but please feel free to use whatever cheese you have. I think a jalapeño cheddar would be awesome in this Mac n Cheese.
I mention in the ingredients that you can add some extra ingredients like bacon and jalapeños, feel free to get creative! You can either mix them in or bake them on top, it’s really up to you.
And so, without further ado…
Simple Mac n Cheese
Ingredients
- 3 cups uncooked macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup pasta water
- 1/4 cup Panko or enough to cover your casserole dish, if you plan to bake the pasta
- Optional toppings and add ins: parmesan cream cheese, jalapeños, bacon, corn, broccoli etc prepare these ahead of time
Instructions
- Heat pot of salted water to boil
- While you wait for water to boil, shred two cups of cheese (or more is okay, too!)
- Once water is boiling, cook your macaroni according to package directions. (Mine was only 3-4 minutes!)
- Remember to reserve at least 1/2 cup of the pasta water before you drain your noodles
- Grease a casserole dish if you are baking your mac n cheese and turn on your oven to broil
- Once your pasta is cooked and drained, return macaroni to the pot and 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt, 2 tablespoons butter and stir
- Next add 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup pasta water
- Stir well and add cheese, a little at a time while continuing to mix the mac n cheese until it is fully melted
- You can mix your extra add ins here OR you can add them as a topping to the casserole dish/your bowl
- Once everything is incorporated, transfer the mac n cheese to your greased casserole dish and top with Panko and any other toppings you might have chosen
- Put your mac n cheese into the oven on broil until your Panko is golden brown, just a couple of minutes. Keep a close eye so it doesn't burn!
Please let me know if you try this – I would love to hear what types of cheese you use and if you tossed in any extra ingredients.
Happy cooking!
Laura
