Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe for Everyone (Stovetop + Baked Option)

In half an hour, you’ll have both versions of the mac and cheese recipe that belongs to everyone, and anyone can make this superb, easy dish at their homes!

Ingredients 

(This limit of ingredients gonna serves 4–6)

• 2 Cups Elbow Macaroni (Or any short pasta like shells, penne, or rotini)

• 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Or mix mozzarella or parmesan or even gouda)

• 1 Tbsp Butter (Salted or unsalted or you can even use margarine)

• 2 Tbsp All-purpose Flour (To thicken the sauce or if it is not available can be replaced with 

• cornstarch)

•  2 Cups Milk (Whole milk or any plant-based too which is avail to you)

• 1/2 Tsp Salt (Or to taste)

• 1/4 Tsp Black Pepper (Can be replaced with paprika, white pepper, or chili flakes just for 

• spiciness)

• 1/2 Tsp Mustard Powder or Dijon Mustard (For sharp flavor it is optional to use)

• Topping Iif baking) (Topping with 1/2 cup bread crumbs, + tbsp butter + 1/4 cup extra cheese)

Before we start

• If you're gonna bake it, preheat your oven first.

• Boil pasta along with a little ghee or oil, along with salt in a large pot.

• Gather all ingredients and prep tools; saucepan, whisk, spoon, baking dish (if baking), and strainer.

• To save time boil your macaroni first and while it's on the stove do other ingredients ready.

• Make sure to keep your kitchen clean too.

Instructions

Stovetop version

Step 1: Take a large bowl, fill with water, place it over medium flame, add salt to taste or then add little oil or ghee, then finally mix macaroni until it boils 90–95%.

(While it's boiling see the other ingredients)

Step 2: Take a saucepan and place it over low flame, heat it for a while, then add melted butter and flour and turn the flame on medium, whisk it, let it smooth and golden.

(For couple of minutes)

Step 3: Gradually add milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps, and cook until it thickens. 

(About 4 to 5 minutes)

Step 4: Now add spices, salt, black pepper, and mustard and mix it well.

Step 5: Add cheddar cheese into the saucepan and let it fully melt.

Step 6: (This is the point we're gonna add pasta or macaroni) Drain and add to the saucepan in our sauce, mix macaroni and fully coat it.

Our most easy mac and cheese is ready to eat!

(This was non-baking version, we can even make baking way too, let's try that new method with love)

Baked version

Step 1: Grease the baking dish first and transfer macaroni and sauce into it.
Step 2: Fix bread crumbs, melted butter, and extra cheese over the top of it.
Step 3: Bake uncovered at 375f (means 190c around) for 20–25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

See how simple it was!

How to serve

Serving mac and cheese with these steps:

1. Use a bowl or plate to serve (serve warm) for baked ones.

2. Sprinkle parsley or oregano on top for flavor.

3. Add ketchup or hot sauce for a tangy spicy taste.

4. Pair it with a side dish to make a full meal.

What goes with mac and cheese

You can serve it along with some dishes to give complete look:

• Steamed peas, carrots, or corn.

• Cucumber or tomato slices with salt and black pepper.

• Fried egg or boiled one.

• Grilled or leftover chicken pieces.

• Toast or garlic bread.

• Roti or paratha (don't feel weird, it actually tastes good).

• Cold lemon water.

• Mint lemonade.

• Simple tea or black tea.

Recipes Related to Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese with Velveeta

Velveeta makes your mac and cheese super creamy and smooth. Just melt Velveeta with a little milk and butter, then mix it with cooked pasta. It melts easily and gives a rich, cheesy flavor without clumps. This is perfect if you love that silky, comforting texture.

Mac and Cheese Pakistani Version

The Pakistani version of mac and cheese can be a little spicy and flavorful. You can add chopped green chilies, black pepper, and even a little garlic or tikka masala. Sometimes people add chicken cubes or shredded chicken for more desi flavor. Use cheddar or mozzarella, or whatever cheese you have at home.

Lobster Mac and Cheese

Lobster mac and cheese is a fancy version of the classic dish. Just cook lobster meat and fold it into your cheese sauce along with the pasta. It’s usually baked with a crispy topping of breadcrumbs and extra cheese. Great for special occasions or a treat-yourself meal.

Conclusion

Take a pot, fill with water, and boil macaroni first along with salt to taste and little ghee or oil. (while it is boiling, see other ingredients), take a saucepan and add butter and flour, let it combine and cook for a couple of minutes, then gradually pour milk and whisking continuously, for no lumps. 

Cook for 4–5 minutes, then add spices, salt, black pepper, and paprika, and whisk it well. When the mix is done, add shredded cheese and stir it well, let it melt for a couple of minutes too, then this point where we drain and add macaroni into our saucepan where already done cheese sauce is done. coat it well.

(Baking version)

Transfer macaroni and cheese sauce into the greased dish and top it with bread crumbs, little butter, and some sprinkle of cheese. Bake it uncovered at 375 (190 c) for 20–25 minutes or until golden cooked.

This is how we make mac and cheese at home, easy to try for everyone even for me too!

For More Recipes, Check Out:

1. Chocolate Brownies at home

2. 3 Easy to Make Greek Salad Dressing

3. Tiramisu Recipe (No Eggs & Alcohol)

4. 2 Easy Ways to Make French Toast (With & Without Eggs)

5. Make Traditional Teas

6. Quick and Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe (ready in under 40 minutes)

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