Olivia Carter
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that never fails to satisfy cravings. While it’s often made by boiling the pasta and preparing the cheese sauce separately, there’s a quick and easy way to make this delicious dish in just one skillet. By using a skillet, you can achieve a perfectly creamy and cheesy mac and cheese with less cleanup. Whether you’re a busy parent or simply looking for a fast and tasty meal, this skillet mac and cheese recipe is a must-try.
One of the advantages of making mac and cheese in a skillet is that the pasta is cooked directly in the sauce, allowing it to absorb all the flavors and become incredibly flavorful. Additionally, the stovetop method ensures that the pasta stays al dente, creating a satisfying texture. This recipe also calls for a combination of cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, resulting in a rich and gooey mac and cheese that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
To get started, gather the necessary ingredients including elbow macaroni, butter, flour, milk, shredded cheese, and seasonings. The process begins by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until almost al dente. Meanwhile, in a skillet, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk and continue stirring until the mixture thickens. Then, add the shredded cheese one handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth. Once the cheese sauce is ready, drain the pasta and add it to the skillet, mixing until well-coated.
Now comes the fun part – the toppings and mix-ins. You can customize your skillet mac and cheese with various ingredients such as cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or chopped herbs like parsley or chives. These additions will elevate your mac and cheese even more, adding new layers of flavors and textures. Feel free to experiment and get creative with your skillet mac and cheese by adding your favorite ingredients to make it truly your own.
Prepare Ingredients
Before you start making mac and cheese in a skillet, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Macaroni Pasta
Choose your favorite type of macaroni pasta. You can use elbows, shells, or any other shape you prefer. Make sure to check the cooking instructions on the package for the recommended cooking time.
Cheese
Get a variety of cheeses to add depth to your mac and cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyere are all great options. Grate the cheeses and set them aside.
Milk
Whole milk is the best choice for a creamy mac and cheese. Make sure you have enough milk to make the cheese sauce. It’s usually recommended to have about 2 cups of milk.
Butter
Butter adds richness to the cheese sauce. Have a stick of butter ready for melting and sautéing.
Flour
All-purpose flour will help thicken the cheese sauce. Have about 1/4 cup of flour on hand.
Seasonings
Enhance the flavor of your mac and cheese with seasonings like garlic powder, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use them to taste.
Breadcrumbs (Optional)
If you prefer a crunchy topping, consider adding breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice for mac and cheese.
Once you have all the ingredients prepared, you’ll be ready to start making mac and cheese in a skillet!
Gather all necessary ingredients
Before starting to make mac and cheese in a skillet, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here are the main ingredients you will need:
1. Macaroni:
Choose your favorite type of macaroni, whether it’s elbow macaroni, shell pasta, or any other shape you prefer. Make sure to measure the appropriate amount based on the recipe you are using.
2. Cheese:
Cheese is the star ingredient in mac and cheese. You can use a variety of cheeses depending on your taste preferences. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also mix it up by adding some mozzarella, Gruyere, or even blue cheese for a unique flavor.
3. Milk:
Milk is essential to creating a creamy and smooth sauce for your mac and cheese. Whole milk or 2% milk is usually recommended, but you can use skim milk if you prefer a lighter option.
4. Butter:
Butter adds richness and flavor to the mac and cheese. You will need some butter to melt in the skillet before adding the other ingredients.
5. Flour:
Flour is used to thicken the cheese sauce. All-purpose flour works well for this purpose.
6. Seasonings:
Add some flavor to your mac and cheese with seasonings such as salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, or any other herbs and spices you enjoy.
7. Optional ingredients:
Feel free to add some additional ingredients to customize your mac and cheese. This can include cooked bacon, vegetables like peas or broccoli, or even some hot sauce to spice things up.
Having all these ingredients ready before you start cooking will ensure a smooth preparation process and a delicious end result.
Cook Pasta
To begin making mac and cheese in a skillet, start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when you cook it further in the skillet.
Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
Boil water and cook pasta until al dente
To start making mac and cheese in a skillet, you will need to boil water. Fill a large pot with water and place it on the stove over high heat. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
Once the water is boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the pot. The salt will season the pasta as it cooks, ensuring that every bite is flavorful. Stir the salt into the boiling water.
Add the pasta to the pot of boiling water. Use your preferred type of pasta, such as macaroni, shells, or penne. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Al dente means that the pasta is cooked but still firm to the bite. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when it is baked in the skillet.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside. The pasta is now ready to be incorporated into the cheesy sauce in the skillet.
Make Cheese Sauce
To make the cheese sauce for your skillet mac and cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 cups of milk
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Follow these steps to make the cheese sauce:
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk until smooth.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent clumps.
- Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the salt and black pepper, and stir to combine.
Your cheese sauce is now ready to be mixed with the cooked pasta in your skillet to make the delicious mac and cheese!
Melt butter in skillet and whisk in flour
To start making your delicious mac and cheese in a skillet, the first step is to melt butter in the skillet. This will help to create a creamy and rich base for your cheese sauce. Use medium heat and let the butter melt completely.
Once the butter has melted, it’s time to whisk in the flour. The flour will help to thicken the sauce and give it a smooth consistency. Add the flour gradually while whisking continuously to avoid any lumps.
Make sure to whisk the butter and flour mixture for about a minute or two, until it becomes a smooth paste. This will ensure that the flour is well incorporated and cooked through.
Remember to keep the heat at medium so that the butter and flour mixture does not burn. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
Whisking in the flour is an important step as it helps to create a roux, which will act as the base for the cheese sauce. The roux will thicken and stabilize the sauce, giving it a creamy texture.
Once the butter and flour are well combined and cooked through, you are ready to move on to the next step in making your delicious skillet mac and cheese!
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, return it to the skillet. Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the pasta, ensuring that every noodle is coated with the creamy goodness.
Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss the pasta and cheese sauce together. This will help evenly distribute the sauce and ensure that each bite is full of cheesy flavor.
Mixing Tips
Here are a few tips to make sure your pasta and cheese sauce are perfectly combined:
- To prevent the pasta from sticking together, coat it with a small amount of cooking oil before adding the sauce.
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of milk or chicken broth.
- For extra cheesiness, you can add additional shredded cheese to the pasta and mix it in before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your mac and cheese is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here are a few ideas for serving suggestions and toppings:
| Serving Suggestions | Topping Ideas |
|---|---|
| Serve as a main dish with a side of salad or steamed vegetables. | Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and bake in the oven for a crispy topping. |
| Use as a side dish with grilled chicken or barbecued ribs. | Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives. |
| Pack it in a lunchbox for a comforting and delicious meal on the go. | Add crispy bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor. |
Add cooked pasta to skillet and mix with cheese sauce
Once the pasta is cooked to al dente, drain it and add it directly to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring that every noodle is coated in creamy cheesiness.
Be sure to mix well, as this step is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency and flavor. The heat from the skillet will help melt the cheese and create a smooth and gooey texture.
For an extra touch of decadence, you can sprinkle some additional shredded cheese on top and place the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes, until it turns golden brown and bubbly.
Once the pasta and cheese sauce are thoroughly combined, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Transfer the mac and cheese to serving bowls or plates, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of paprika for added color, and serve hot. This skillet mac and cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and leave everyone craving for more!
Add Toppings
Once your mac and cheese is cooked to perfection, it’s time to elevate it with some delicious toppings. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
Here are some popular topping ideas:
- Bacon: Crispy bacon bits add a savory and smoky flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Toasted breadcrumbs provide a crunchy texture.
- Green Onions: Finely chopped green onions add a fresh and slightly tangy taste.
- Jalapenos: Sliced jalapenos bring a spicy kick to your mac and cheese.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes add a burst of juiciness and color.
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley gives a touch of freshness and a pop of green.
Feel free to mix and match these toppings or come up with your own combinations. The sky’s the limit when it comes to adding toppings to your skillet mac and cheese.
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make mac and cheese in a skillet?
To make mac and cheese in a skillet, you will need elbow macaroni, butter, all-purpose flour, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?
Yes, you can use a different type of pasta in place of elbow macaroni. However, be aware that the cooking time and texture may vary depending on the pasta shape you choose.
Is it necessary to cook the pasta before adding it to the skillet?
Yes, it is necessary to cook the pasta before adding it to the skillet. This ensures that the pasta is fully cooked and allows it to absorb the flavors of the cheese sauce.
Can I add any additional ingredients to the mac and cheese?
Yes, you can add additional ingredients to the mac and cheese to customize it to your liking. Some popular additions include cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, sautéed onions, or chopped herbs.
