Looking for a comforting and delicious meal that’s easy to make? This One Pot Mac and Cheese – a dish that’s sure to ignite your taste buds and warm your heart. With its rich and creamy cheese sauce, tender macaroni pasta. This dish is the perfect balance of indulgence and comfort.

The best part? One Pot Mac and Cheese is its ease of preparation with only pantry ingredients, and better yet it will required 2 cooking steps. With just one pot, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Plus, the recipe is highly customisable, so you can add your favorite herbs, spices, or cheeses to create a dish that’s uniquely yours.

INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTES

Ingredient quantities please refer to the recipes card (Click here!)!

• Short Pasta – I used fusilli for this recipes. you could use any kind of short pasta (e.g. penne, macaroni, fusilli, ziti, rigatoni) or any other small pasta shape.
• Unsalted Butter – I always purchase unsalted butter so that I can control the amount of salt for my baby and any other recipes. But if you only have salted butter, then you can omit the salt in this recipe.
• Milk – I used fresh cow milk. you could substitute with almond milk, soy milk, or any other non-dairy milk.
• All-purpose flour – I used all purpose flour for this recipe. you can also substitute with cake flour or cornstarch.
• Worcestershire sauce – if you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, there are a few substitutes that you can use. However, when using a substitute, keep in mind that the flavor may not be exactly the same as Worcestershire sauce. Adjust the amount and taste as needed.
  1. Soy Sauce: Soy sauce has a similar umami flavor as Worcestershire sauce, making it a great substitute. However, it is saltier than Worcestershire sauce, so use it in moderation.
  2. Fish Sauce: Fish sauce is another good substitute for Worcestershire sauce. It has a similar savory and salty taste and can add depth to your dishes.
  3. Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar is not as savory as Worcestershire sauce, but it can add a similar tanginess and depth of flavor.
  4. Maggi Seasoning: Maggi seasoning is a popular Worcestershire sauce substitute in some parts of the world. It has a similar savory taste and is less sweet than Worcestershire sauce.

Keep in mind that substituting ingredients may affect the taste and texture of the dish, so it’s always best to experiment and adjust according to your personal preference.

RECIPES TIPS

• Use high-quality ingredients – For the best flavor, use high-quality cheese and fresh milk or cream. Freshly grated cheese will also melt better and create a creamier sauce.
• Cook the pasta al dente – Cook the pasta until it’s just tender, or al dente, always refer the cooking time on the packaging, so that it doesn’t become mushy in the cheese sauce.
• Don’t overcook the sauce – Cook the cheese sauce until it’s thick and creamy, but don’t let it boil or overcook, always follow the cooking time and temperature as stated, as this can cause the sauce to separate or become grainy.
• Season the sauce – Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like. Mustard, nutmeg, and paprika are all popular seasonings for mac and cheese.
• Add mix-ins – Add additional ingredients to the mac and cheese to make it more flavorful and interesting. Cooked bacon, chopped herbs, diced tomatoes, and sautéed mushrooms are all delicious mix-ins.
• Bake it – If you prefer a crispy top, bake the mac and cheese in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until the top is golden brown and crispy.
• Serve it hot – Mac and cheese is best served hot and fresh out of the oven. Letting it sit too long can cause it to dry out or become less creamy.

WHAT ELSE TO SERVE WITH ?

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other dishes to create a more complete meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with mac and cheese:

• Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can add some freshness and balance to the rich and creamy mac and cheese.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots, make a healthy and delicious side dish that complements the cheesy goodness of the mac and cheese.
• Grilled chicken or steak: Grilled chicken or steak can add some protein and heartiness to the meal.
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls: Warm, crusty bread is always a good complement to mac and cheese. Garlic bread or dinner rolls are particularly delicious options.
• Fruit: Fresh fruit, such as sliced apples, grapes, or berries, can add a refreshing sweetness to the meal and balance out the richness of the mac and cheese.
• Soup: A light soup, such as tomato or vegetable soup, can make a nice appetizer or complement to the main dish.

Remember, the key is to balance the flavors and textures of the dishes so that they complement each other and create a satisfying and delicious meal.

MADE AHEAD INSTRUCTIONS

Mac and cheese can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.

To make ahead and refrigerate:

1. Make the Mac and cheese as per the recipes.
2. Transfer the mac and cheese to a casserole dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
3. When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap and bake the mac and cheese in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.

To make ahead and freeze:

1. Make the Mac and cheese as per the recipes.
2. Transfer the mac and cheese to a freezer-safe container and cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
3. When ready to serve, remove the mac and cheese from the freezer and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
4. Bake the mac and cheese in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.

Note: To prevent the mac and cheese from drying out, cover it with foil while baking and remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking to let the top brown and crisp up.

STORAGE & REHEATING

Mac and Cheese if best to be consumed freshly made. However, if you have leftover mac and cheese, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. If you have a large batch of mac and cheese that you want to store, divide it into smaller portions and store each portion in a separate container.

To reheat mac and cheese, transfer it to a microwave-safe dish and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through, stirring halfway through.

Alternatively, you can reheat mac and cheese in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If the mac and cheese looks dry, add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to help loosen the sauce and restore its creaminess.

Note: Be sure to check the internal temperature of the mac and cheese before consuming, as it should be heated to at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

RECIPES FAQS

What kind of cheese is best for mac and cheese?

The best cheeses for mac and cheese are those that melt easily and have a creamy, smooth texture. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but other good options include Gouda, fontina, or a blend of several cheeses.

Can I make mac and cheese without milk?

Yes, you can make mac and cheese without milk. Instead, you can use a combination of butter, cheese, and water or broth to make a creamy sauce. Alternatively, you can use a non-dairy milk, such as almond milk or soy milk, for a vegan or lactose-free version.

Can I add vegetables or protein to my mac and cheese?

Yes, you can add vegetables or protein to your mac and cheese for a more complete meal. Some good options include broccoli, peas, bacon, ham, or cooked chicken.

Can I adjust the portion size of the recipes?

You can adjust the recipe by clicking the serving size in the recipe in recipes card to your liking!
If you can find the exact portion that you like, you can, also, adjust this in manual mode. Make sure that the cooking times and temperatures have been adjusted for different quantities of ingredients. Even preparation time (such as for cutting) may be different than in the original recipe. Please do not pass the max line indicated inside of the mixing bowl. The capacity of the mixing bowl is 2.2 liters.

This recipes is compatible with which model of Thermomix®?

This recipes suitable for TM31 / TM5 / TM6

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