Creamy, comforting, and irresistibly simple, this 5 Ingredient Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate quick-fix meal that comes together in just 20 minutes! Featuring pantry staples like elbow macaroni, butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese, this recipe delivers rich, cheesy goodness without the fuss of extra ingredients. A silky homemade cheese sauce, crafted from a buttery roux and perfectly melted cheddar, coats each piece of pasta for a dish thatβs as indulgent as it is easy to prepare. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly dinner, an effortless side dish, or the perfect comfort food, this macaroni and cheese is guaranteed to satisfy every craving. Plus, with only five ingredients, itβs a budget-friendly crowd-pleaser you'll want to make again and again!
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
In the same pot over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook and stir until the mixture thickens and resembles a smooth sauce, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Calories |
2335 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 116.4 g | 149% | |
| Saturated Fat | 71.4 g | 357% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 363 mg | 121% | |
| Sodium | 1642 mg | 71% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 216.3 g | 79% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.5 g | 30% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.6 g | ||
| Protein | 106.6 g | 213% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 2223 mg | 171% | |
| Iron | 8.8 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 754 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.