Creamy Macaroni Cheese for Two or One
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this **Creamy Macaroni Cheese for Two or One**, a rich and velvety dish perfect for a cozy night in. Made with a heavenly blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, this recipe features a luscious cream-based sauce enhanced with a hint of Dijon mustard and warming spices like paprika. Ready in just 30 minutes, this small-batch mac and cheese starts with perfectly al dente elbow macaroni folded into a smooth, buttery roux-based sauce. For an added crunch, top it with breadcrumbs and give it a quick broil until golden perfection. Whether you're sharing this indulgent delight or savoring it solo, this quick and easy recipe is guaranteed to satisfy every cheesy craving. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a comforting treat-for-yourself moment!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 150 grams elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, ground black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Add the cooked macaroni to the pot and gently fold it into the cheese sauce until the pasta is evenly coated.
Optional step: If desired, transfer the macaroni cheese to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top, and broil on high for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Serve warm, garnish with a pinch of paprika or an extra sprinkle of cheese, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2325 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 143.9 g | 184% | |
| Saturated Fat | 86.0 g | 430% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 440 mg | 147% | |
| Sodium | 2855 mg | 124% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 155.4 g | 57% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.6 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.3 g | ||
| Protein | 79.1 g | 158% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 1637 mg | 126% | |
| Iron | 6.9 mg | 38% | |
| Potassium | 424 mg | 9% | |
*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.
