Macaroni and Cheese for Two
Perfectly portioned for an intimate dinner or cozy date night, this "Macaroni and Cheese for Two" recipe delivers creamy, cheesy comfort in every bite. Made with tender elbow macaroni blanketed in a velvety sauce of sharp cheddar and Parmesan, this dish balances bold flavor with a luxurious texture. A quick homemade roux forms the base of the rich cheese sauce, while an optional breadcrumb topping adds a satisfyingly golden crunch if broiled to perfection. Ready in just 30 minutes, this small-batch mac and cheese is ideal for those seeking a hearty, indulgent meal without leftovers. Whether you're cooking for yourself and a loved one or simply craving a scaled-down version of a classic, this recipe is your go-to for homemade decadence!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 teaspoon Olive oil or melted butter (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, about 7–8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a smooth roux.
Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3–4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
For a crispy topping (optional), preheat your broiler to high. Transfer the mac and cheese to two oven-safe bowls or ramekins. Mix the breadcrumbs with the olive oil or melted butter, and sprinkle over the mac and cheese. Broil for 2–3 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
Serve immediately and enjoy your indulgent macaroni and cheese for two!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
678 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.8 g | 50% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.3 g | 116% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 108 mg | 36% | |
| Sodium | 846 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 58.4 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.2 g | ||
| Protein | 28.4 g | 57% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 612 mg | 47% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 306 mg | 7% | |
*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.
