10-Minute Mac & Cheese

Hate reading? ME TOO! That’s why I’ve included some videos below.

Craving a quick and tasty meal? Look no further than 10-minute mac and cheese! This speedy comfort food classic can be whipped up in less time than it takes to order takeout. You’ll love how easy it is to make creamy, cheesy pasta right in your own kitchen.

Want to impress your family or friends with a homemade dish but short on time? This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a delicious bowl of mac and cheese ready in no time. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this quick and satisfying meal!

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Here’s what you’ll need for a quick and easy mac & cheese:

• 8 oz dried pasta (elbow macaroni or ziti)
• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or Parmigiano-Reggiano)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional)

Don’t have these exact items? No worries! Try these swaps:

• Use any short pasta shape you like
• Swap heavy cream for a mix of milk and half-and-half
• Pick your favorite melty cheese – mozzarella or Gruyère work great
• Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor

Got dietary needs? Here are some options:

• Use gluten-free pasta for a wheat-free version
• Choose plant-based milk and vegan cheese for a dairy-free twist

Remember, the key is to have fun and make it your own. Feel free to add veggies or protein to make it a complete meal. Happy cooking!

Instructions

You’ll love how quick and easy this mac and cheese is to make. Here’s what to do:

1. 
   

   Boil a pot of salted water and cook your pasta for 2 minutes less than the package says.

   
   
2. 
   

   While that’s going, grate about 6 cups of cheddar cheese.

   
   
3. 
   

   Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it.

   
   
4. 
   

   Put the pot back on medium-low heat and add the pasta.

   
   
5. 
   

   Toss in the cheese, some butter, and a splash of cream.

   
   
6. 
   

   Stir until everything is melty and combined.

   
   

That’s it! Your creamy mac and cheese is ready to eat in just 10 minutes.

You can jazz it up with extras if you want. Try adding some garlic powder or a dash of mustard for extra flavor. Crumbled bacon or breadcrumbs on top are yummy too.

Remember, the key to super creamy mac and cheese is using freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Want to make your mac and cheese even better? Try these tips!

Add a splash of milk when reheating. This keeps it creamy and prevents dryness.

Experiment with different cheeses. Mix cheddar with mozzarella or Gruyère for extra flavor.

Spice it up! Sprinkle in some garlic powder, paprika, or hot sauce for a kick.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for 3-4 days.

To reheat, use the microwave or stovetop. Stir often to heat evenly.

For longer storage, freeze your mac and cheese. It’ll last up to 2 months.

When freezing, portion it into small containers. This makes reheating easier.

To prevent mushy pasta, cook it al dente before freezing.

Thaw frozen mac and cheese in the fridge overnight before reheating.

For a crispy top, broil your reheated mac and cheese for a few minutes.

Remember, homemade mac and cheese is best eaten fresh. But with these tips, you can enjoy it anytime!