QiMeal
Easy Macaroni and Cheese
Easy Macaroni and Cheese · ready in 30 min · 4 servings · 420 kcal per serving · easy · 6 ingredients
Creamy, comforting macaroni coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce that melts into every bite. This classic homestyle dish is warm, satisfying, and perfect for a quick family meal.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Serves
- 4
- kcal
- 420
- Difficulty
- easy
Ingredients · 4 servings
- 400 gMacaroni
- 720 gMilk
- 8 gSalt
- 40 gAll-purpose flour
- 40 gButter
- 200 gCheddar cheese
Equipment
stovetop, bowls, box grater, lid, saucepan, serving spoon, whisk, wooden spoon
Instructions
- Prep ingredients
Gather macaroni, milk, salt, flour, butter, and cheddar cheese, grate the cheese, and set out a saucepan with a whisk and spoon. · 5 min
What to look for: butter fully melted and foamy
- Melt butter
Melt the butter in the saucepan over medium heat until fully liquid. · 2 min
What to look for: butter melted and foamy
- Make roux
Stir the all-purpose flour and salt into the melted butter to form a smooth paste. · 2 min
What to look for: pale, smooth paste
- Add milk pasta
Add the milk and macaroni to the saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. · 5 min
What to look for: steady bubbling
- Simmer macaroni
Reduce to a low simmer, cover the saucepan, and cook while stirring occasionally until the macaroni is tender. · 15 min
What to look for: sauce thickened, pasta soft
- Melt cheese
Add the cheddar cheese and stir until it melts completely into a smooth cheese sauce. · 3 min
What to look for: glossy, smooth sauce
- Serve dish
Spoon the macaroni and cheese into bowls and serve hot. · 1 min
What to look for: creamy sauce coating pasta
Nutrition (per serving)
| kcal | 420 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| of which sugars | 6 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| of which saturated | 12 g |
| Fibre | 2 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
Nutri-ScoreD
Allergens
Contains: gluten, milk
Storage and reheating
- Fridge: up to 3 days
- Freezer: yes, up to 2 months
Ingredient substitutions
Macaroni
- whole wheat macaroni: Adds fiber and a nuttier flavor
- gluten free pasta: Cook gently and stir often to avoid breaking
Milk
- lactose free milk: Suitable for lactose intolerance
- evaporated milk: Creates a richer sauce
Salt
- kosher salt: Adjust to taste
- sea salt: Fine sea salt dissolves easily
All-purpose flour
- cornstarch: Mix with cold milk to avoid lumps
- rice flour: Produces a smoother sauce
Butter
- ghee: Adds buttery flavor without lactose
- olive oil: Choose mild olive oil
Cheddar cheese
- colby cheese: Mild and melts well
- monterey jack: Creates a smoother sauce
