Creamy Homemade One Pot Mac and Cheese

Jessie Thompson

Classic Mac and Cheese is a staple in the South. Just about every person I know either makes mac and cheese every week, puts it on the table at every holiday, or serves it for company at Sunday dinner. And there's good reason for that! It's full of creamy, cheesy flavor and is adored by adults and kiddos alike. But before you reach for that boxed mac and cheese to make your life "simpler", you have to try this Creamy Homemade One Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe and let me convince you that a homemade version is just as quick and has WAY BETTER FLAVOR! It is the perfect side dish for the holidays.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Broiler time 5

Total Time 20

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 10 servings

Calories 649 kcal

Equipment

1 Dutch oven

Ingredients

1 lb. elbow macaroni
6 cups whole milk
1 lb. mild cheddar cheese shredded
1 lb. sharp white cheddar cheese shredded
4 oz. cream cheese
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon paprika
1/2 tablespoon salt
1/4 tablespoon black pepper

Instructions

First, place the elbow macaroni noodles and 5 cups of milk into a large Dutch oven over medium heat and cover with a lid to warm.
Second, when the milk and pasta are starting to simmer, add the paprika, salt, pepper, and Dijon and mix. Cook until the pasta becomes al dente according to the package directions.
Third, lower to medium-low heat and add the cream cheese to the milk and macaroni and stir until the cheese melts.
Next, add 2/3 of the shredded cheese to the milk and macaroni and fold in until it's completely melted.
Add the last cup of milk and stir.
Then, top the pot of macaroni and cheese with the remaining 1/3 shredded cheese.
Place into the oven under the broiler until the cheese has melted on top. Watch it closely and DON'T LET IT DEVELOP COLOR OR BURN! (Unless you want it to be slightly golden brown.)
Finally, serve with your favorite main dish and enjoy!

Video

Notes

What are the Macros for Creamy Homemade One Pot Mac and Cheese?

Makes 10 servings (Nutritional information below is for 1 serving = 1 cup)

Calories – 649

Protein – 33.8 grams

Carbs – 40 grams (net)

Fat – 38 grams

Keyword Baked, Pasta