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3 Ingredient Macaroni and Cheese
vegetarian
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3 Ingredient Macaroni and Cheese

This 3 ingredient macaroni and cheese uses elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar cheese, and whole milk to create an ultra creamy stovetop mac that beats anything from a box. With just three ingredients and one pot, this comforting classic comes together in about 20 minutes and satisfies the whole family.

4.5
20 min
🍴4 servings
🔥560 cal
🔖Easy
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30 second summary

Creamy stovetop macaroni and cheese made from scratch with just 3 ingredients for ultimate comfort food.

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Nutrition per serving

560Calories
24gProtein
70gCarbs
21gFat
2gFiber

Ingredients

4servings

main

freebie

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Instructions

1

Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it, as the surface starch on the noodles helps the cheese sauce cling. Return the drained macaroni to the pot.

2

Add Milk and Cheese

Over low heat, pour the whole milk over the hot drained macaroni and stir to combine. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese in two or three batches, stirring constantly after each addition until fully melted before adding more. Work slowly on low heat for the smoothest sauce.

3

Finish and Serve

Once all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, taste and season with salt as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk and stir to loosen. Serve the macaroni and cheese immediately while it is hot and at its creamiest.

Substitutions

sharp cheddar cheeseGruyere or a blend of Gruyere and cheddar for a more sophisticated and nutty flavor
whole milkevaporated milk for an even creamier and richer mac and cheese sauce that does not break as easily

Common mistakes

Adding cheese to the pasta over high heat which causes it to seize and become grainy instead of melting into a smooth sauce
Rinsing the cooked pasta after draining which removes the starch that helps the cheese sauce emulsify and stick to the noodles
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