This Macaroni Cheese recipe is the one we’ve all been waiting for. So easy. Just 5 ingredients. All cooked in one pan. This is some cheesy magic!
This is a really old recipe that I used to make for my children when they were toddlers. I’ve seen people making a similar baked version on TikTok and I realised you needed this in your life as much as I do.
Please try it, you won’t dis-a-brie! (Boom boom). 🧀
You’ll love this Macaroni Cheese recipe because:
✅ So quick, ready in 15 minutes
✅ No need to make a roux
✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
FAQs on the Macaroni Cheese recipe
Is this a real Macaroni Cheese if it doesn’t have a white sauce?
Friends. This is not the cheesy pasta I grew up with as a child right. BUT. It’s super quick, super comforting and tastes SO GOOD.
It’s not as ✨ saucy ✨ as the original, I’ll give you that. I’m willing to take maybe, 10% less perfect for this ease though.
Who’s with me?!
I’ve just cooked this and it’s got no sauce – help!
This happens if the pasta is left for a while before serving, or if it’s slightly over cooked.
You can add more hot milk and/or cheese and stir well to create more ‘sauce’.
What is the best type of cheese to use for this recipe?
I like a really strong Cheddar plus Parmesan as it gives heaps of flavour.
Can you freeze this pasta recipe?
I am not a big fan of freezing cooked pasta if I can avoid it.
It tends to go quite soggy when it’s defrosted.
Can I add things to this recipe?
Sure, how about, crispy bacon on top, some blue cheese crumbled in or walnuts on top?
Fancy some other easy pasta recipes ?
- Smoked Salmon Pasta – A 10 minute dinner!
- Chorizo Pasta Recipe – Super tasty and all cooked in one pan
- Cream Cheese Pasta – Another 10 minute family favourite
Hope you enjoy this recipe. I’d love to know how you got on and what you thought of it if you make this recipe. Please rate the recipe using the ⭐️ below!
Also, if you fancy showing me a photo by tagging me on Instagram (@tamingtwins) I LOVE to see your creations and try and share as many of them as I can.
This post was originally published on Jan 27, 2014 and totally updated with new photos and method on Oct 21, 2021.
Macaroni Cheese - One Pan Recipe - Just 5 Ingredients!
Ingredients
- 300 g Macaroni
- 900 ml Whole milk
- 1 tsp Mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 200 g Cheddar cheese Grated
- 50 g Parmesan Grated
Optional topping:
- 50 g Breadcrumbs
- 50 g Cheddar cheese Grated
Instructions
- Put the macaroni, milk, mustard and salt and pepper into a pan and cook over a medium heat for about 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente and lots of the milk has been absorbed.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the cheeses. Stir very well until everything is melted and combined.
Optional:
- Top with the breadcrumbs and additional cheese and pop under a hot grill until crispy on top. Not necessary, but adds a delicious crunch.
Carla @carlita114 says
Looks good and tasty. I’m going to give this recipe a go this week
Sarah Barnes says
Let me know how you get on Carla!
Michelle says
That looks so sinfully lush!
Sarah Barnes says
What are the best things always so naughty Michelle?!
bluebirdsunshine says
Comfort food heaven! That looks amazing.
Sarah Barnes says
Thank you! It is a bit yum..
FromageHomage says
Roasted garlic, pancetta and cheese – sounds about perfect. Thanks for sharing with Cheese, Please! this month 🙂
Caroline (BecomingaSAHM) says
Wow this looks seriously tasty! I love creamy pasta dishes and hope it tastes as amazing as it looks!! Will definitely be giving this a try! #TastyTuesdays
Julie says
Oh, delicious. I think my family would enjoy this mac ‘n’ cheese. I love the addition of pancetta too.
Sara (@mumturnedmom) says
That sounds heavenly (minus the bacon for the veggie…). Macaroni cheese is my ultimate comfort food 🙂
Sammie Hodges says
Oh wow I love mac n cheese but my family aren’t so keen. Gonna give this a go maybe it will change their minds!
Sarah Barnes says
Perfect Sammie, no need to share! 😉
Tina @ The Spicy Pear says
I want to dive into a bowl of your macaroni. It really is the perfect comfort food. I love the addition of the roasted garlic, yummy. Fab entry for this month’s #PastaPlease challenge. Thank you.
Sarah Barnes says
Thanks Tina 🙂
Honest Mum says
Oh wow, this looks so moorish and all in one pan, love the sound of that. Thanks for linking up to #tastytuesdays
seychellesmama says
oh my god!!! I need this. (my tummy and bum doesn’t but I do!!!)
Emma says
Hello! Loved this recipe so much I have included it over at BritMums on the Food Round up this month… All things Valentine! Apt no? I thought so for something so delicious! 😀
jasmine says
how do i print this
can’t wait to make it xx
Diane West says
Trying this out today. Comfort food requested on this dank, mizzly Sunday. Mac & Cheese is a favourite in our home so I hope I do your recipe justice! Thank you 😊 xx
Jenny says
My family loved this Macaroni Cheese recipe! I used semi-skimmed milk, because I forgot to buy whole milk, and it still worked really well! Will try whole milk next time.