Description
A budget-friendly, ultra-creamy baked mac and cheese recipe designed for a single serving. It costs less than $3, takes only 15 minutes to make, and uses a roux-based sauce with freshly grated cheddar for maximum flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (115g) elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons (28g) butter
- 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (100g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional)
- Salt for pasta water
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup of elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes).
- Before draining, scoop out 1/4 cup of pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta and set it in a bowl.
- In a small to medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light blonde and smells nutty.
- Slowly pour in 1 cup of whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Gradually add the 1 cup of freshly grated cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. If too thin, let it sit for a minute to thicken.
- Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until every noodle is coated.
- Optional: Transfer to a small baking dish or ramekin, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Grate your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Always remove the pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess. Save pasta water to help bind the sauce if it becomes too thick or separates.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 500
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: mac and cheese, budget recipe, single serving, comfort food, cheap dinner, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, quick meals