Easy One-Pot (3-Ingredient) Mac and Cheese Recipe
We all familiar with the classic mac and cheese that brings comfort with every bite, but this one pot mac and cheese is surely one of the easiest comfort foods, with a creamy sauce made from just a few simple ingredients. All you need to whip this up is milk, macaroni, and cheddar cheese. This stovetop macaroni and cheese is a perfect option for busy days or any time you want to cook something fast and delicious. You can use your favorite cheese or mix a few kinds for extra flavor. This 3-ingredient mac and cheese is a totally kid-friendly, no-fuss meal that’s as easy to clean up as it is to make!
❤️ Why You’ll Love One Pot Mac and Cheese
There’s so much to love about this one pot mac and cheese! First, it’s incredibly simple to make with just a few ingredients – you only need milk, macaroni, and cheddar cheese. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want something fast, comforting, and homemade. Plus, since everything cooks in one pot on the stovetop, cleanup is a breeze!
The best part? This is a 3-ingredient mac and cheese, so there’s no need to worry about lots of prep or complicated steps. It’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely kid-friendly. You can also customize it by adding more of your favorite cheeses or using different kinds to give it an extra flavor boost.
This easy recipe, made with milk, is the perfect solution for weeknight dinners or even a quick lunch. Once you try it, it’s sure to become your go-to stovetop macaroni and cheese.
🛒 Ingredients for One Pot Mac and Cheese
- Milk – The milk serves as the base for this dish, helping to cook the pasta and create a creamy sauce. As it simmers, the starch from the macaroni thickens the milk, making the sauce rich and smooth without needing additional cream.
- Elbow Macaroni – This classic pasta shape is perfect for mac and cheese. It cooks right in the milk, soaking up the flavor and releasing starch, which helps create that creamy texture everyone loves.
- Cheddar Cheese – The star of the dish! Cheddar cheese melts into the sauce, giving the mac and cheese its signature cheesy flavor and creamy consistency. You can also mix in other cheeses for extra flavor if desired.
- Salt – Salt enhances the flavors of the pasta and cheese, balancing the richness of the dish.
- Black Pepper – Black pepper adds a subtle hint of warmth and spice, elevating the overall flavor without overpowering the creamy cheese.
- Paprika – Paprika adds a touch of smokiness and color, giving the dish a bit of depth and making it visually appealing.
Why Do You Call It 3-Ingredient Mac and Cheese?
While this recipe technically uses six ingredients, we call it 3-ingredient mac and cheese because the core of the dish revolves around just three main components: milk, macaroni, and cheddar cheese. These are the essentials that create the creamy, cheesy base everyone loves. The other ingredients, like salt, black pepper, and paprika, are optional seasonings that add extra flavor but aren’t necessary for the dish to come together.
However, this simple recipe offers endless opportunities to get creative! You can elevate the flavor by experimenting with different spices, like garlic powder, mustard, or cayenne pepper, to suit your taste. You can also mix and match cheeses—try mozzarella for extra creaminess, Parmesan for a sharper flavor, or Gruyère for a nutty twist. There are so many ways to personalize this classic mac and cheese, and we’ll dive into those ideas in the next part of this blog post!
How to Make One Pot Macaroni and Cheese with Milk?
This recipe is a little different from the classic mac and cheese you might be used to. Instead of cooking the pasta in water, making a separate cheese sauce and baking the macaroni and cheese (somthines with breadcrumbs), here everything happens in one pot! The macaroni is cooked directly in milk, which thickens naturally as it simmers, creating a creamy sauce without needing to make a traditional roux,add extra butter or cream and without oven. This makes it not only easier but also quicker with fewer dishes to clean up!
Here’s how you make it:
- Boil the Milk: In a large pot, bring the milk to a boil.
- Cook the Macaroni: Add the elbow macaroni to the milk and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the milk as it cooks, making it extra creamy.
- Add the Cheese: Once the macaroni is tender, remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a smooth, cheesy sauce.
- Season: Add salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste for a bit of extra flavor.
- Serve: Your creamy, one pot mac and cheese is ready to enjoy!
🗒 Variations
One of the best things about this one pot mac and cheese is how versatile it can be. While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, you can easily change it up with a few additions to suit your taste or make it extra special.
- Cheese Variety: Swap the cheddar for other types of cheese or mix them up! Try using mozzarella for a gooey texture, Parmesan for a sharper bite, or Gruyère for a nutty flavor. You can even combine a few for a rich, layered cheese taste.
- Spices: Add different spices to elevate the flavor. A pinch of garlic powder, mustard powder, or cayenne pepper can add a nice kick. For a smoky twist, smoked paprika works wonders.
- Protein Add-ins: Want to make it heartier? Stir in cooked bacon, grilled chicken, or even ham for added protein. These additions will turn your mac and cheese into a more filling meal.
- Veggie Boost: To sneak in some extra nutrition, toss in cooked vegetables like broccoli, peas, or spinach. They pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce and add some color and texture.
- Crispy Topping: For a baked version, transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish, top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, and broil until golden and crispy on top.
🗒 Substitutions
If you’re looking to make this recipe vegan or gluten-free, here’s how you can adapt it without losing that creamy, comforting flavor:
Vegan Mac and Cheese Substitutions
- Milk: Replace the dairy milk with a plant-based milk like almond milk, cashew, oat milk, or soy milk. Make sure to choose unsweetened, unflavored versions for the best results. Coconut milk can also work, but it may add a slight coconut flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Use a vegan cheese that melts well, like Daiya or Violife, which mimic cheddar’s creamy texture. You can also make a nut-based cheese sauce using soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, and plant-based milk for a homemade cheesy flavor.
- Butter (Optional): If you like adding butter to your mac and cheese, use vegan butter or margarine. Brands like Earth Balance provide a rich, buttery taste.
- Creaminess Boost: To enhance the creamy texture, you can stir in a few tablespoons of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavor that’s popular in vegan dishes. You can also add pureed butternut squash or sweet potato for extra creaminess and a subtle sweetness.
Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese Substitutions
- Macaroni: Swap regular elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta. Many gluten-free varieties are available, including those made from brown rice, quinoa, chickpeas, or lentils. They cook just like regular pasta and absorb the creamy sauce well.
Vegan + Gluten-Free Combo
For a mac and cheese that’s both vegan and gluten-free, simply combine the plant-based substitutions with the gluten-free pasta. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and a vegan cheese sauce to create a creamy, cheesy dish that everyone can enjoy.
If you need to switch things up or adapt the recipe to what you have on hand, here are some easy substitutions to try while still keeping your one pot mac and cheese delicious:
- Macaroni: Don’t have elbow macaroni? No problem! You can substitute with other short pasta shapes like penne, shells, fusilli, or rotini. Any small pasta works well and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar is classic for mac and cheese, feel free to swap it out for any other melting cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or American cheese. For a sharper taste, try Gouda or Fontina. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, there are many plant-based cheeses available that melt well and give a similar creamy texture.
- Spices: If you’re missing one of the spices, feel free to leave it out or replace it. Chili powder, cumin, or even a dash of nutmeg can add unique flavors. For those who like heat, red pepper flakes or hot sauce can spice things up.
Tips to Make The Best One Pot Mac and Cheese
- Stir Frequently: This is the most important tip! To avoid the pasta sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure an even creamy texture, make sure to stir the macaroni frequently as it cooks in the milk. This helps the pasta release its starch, thickening the sauce while preventing clumping.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: For the creamiest sauce, it’s best to shred your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains additives to prevent clumping, which can affect how well it melts into the sauce.
- Adjust the Milk: For a creamier mac and cheese, you can add more milk as needed while the pasta is cooking. If the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is fully cooked, a splash of milk will help maintain that smooth, creamy consistency.
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to absorb the milk and soften even after you take it off the heat. Aim for an al dente texture to ensure your mac and cheese doesn’t become mushy.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste the mac and cheese before serving. A pinch of salt and pepper is essential, but you can also adjust the flavor with additional seasonings like garlic powder, mustard powder, or paprika for extra depth.
- Customize with Add-ins: To make your mac and cheese even more exciting, feel free to toss in your favorite extras, like crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli. These additions can add texture and flavor, transforming this simple dish into a more hearty meal.
- Serve Immediately: One pot mac and cheese is best enjoyed right away, as it will thicken as it cools. If the sauce becomes too thick after sitting for a while, just stir in a bit of warm milk to bring back its creamy texture.
👝 How to Store Leftover Mac and Cheese
- Cool It Down: Before storing, let the mac and cheese cool to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation, which can make it soggy when reheated.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the leftovers into an airtight container to keep the mac and cheese fresh and prevent it from drying out in the fridge.
- Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Make sure it’s properly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent the cheese sauce from thickening too much.
- Freezing Option: If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the mac and cheese. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. It will last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce, as the pasta tends to absorb the moisture while stored. Heat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through and creamy again.
Yes! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can use any short pasta like shells, penne, or fusilli. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape you choose.
For an extra creamy texture, you can add a little more milk or even stir in a tablespoon of butter or cream at the end. Using a combination of cheeses, such as adding mozzarella or cream cheese, can also boost the creaminess.
Stir frequently while the pasta cooks in the milk. This prevents it from sticking and ensures the macaroni cooks evenly. Lowering the heat slightly once the milk is boiling can also help avoid burning.
Yes, you can freeze leftover mac and cheese. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of milk to bring back its creamy texture.
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Easy 3-Ingredient Mac and Cheese Recipe (One Pot)
Ingredients
- 4 cups (1 liter) Milk
- 12 oz (340 g) Elbow macaroni
- 7 oz (200 g) Cheddar cheese Shredded
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) Salt
- ¼ teaspoon (¼ tsp) Black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon (¼ tsp) Paprika
Instructions
- 1. In a large pot, bring milk to a boil.
- 2. Reduce to medium-low heat, add macaroni and cook, stirring frequently, until the pasta is cooked, about 12 minutes.
- 3. Remove from heat, add the cheese and stir until melted and incorporated.
- 4. Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- You can use any kind of cheese that you like. Or combination of several cheeses.
- For extra creamy mac and cheese add 1 more cup of milk to the pot while cooking the pasta
Better to make the pasta first and then add the milk, etc. Took me 50 minutes to soften the noodles making them in the milk!
super easy and tastes great!
When I did this recipe i though: I think I did something wrong” and it wasn’t wrong! My family really enjoyed that. Super cool Recipe Thanks!
I just love this recipe, it is so easy and so delicious 🥰． Thank you !
Best mac and cheese recipe out there! Thanks.