Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Recipe For Two

Homemade macaroni and cheese is one of the easiest comfort foods to make, especially when you are cooking for two. It is a great way to enjoy a classic side dish without relying on boxed versions that leave you with way too many leftovers.

Best of all, it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. This recipe uses Velveeta cheese so that you end up with an extremely smooth and creamy texture.

However, if you prefer not to use processed cheese you can easily switch it out for fresh shredded cheddar cheese or even a variety of shredded cheese for a different flavor.

But don’t think of this dish as only a side dish to serve with your favorite grilled meats (like Grilled Pork Chops). With such a short ingredient list and a few simple steps, this baked macaroni and cheese is a great option for a quick meal any night of the week.

You can even mix in your favorite cooked protein to make it an even more filling. My favorite addition is to add leftover rotisserie chicken and a dash or two of Buffalo sauce. The flavor combination is amazing!

What Type of Pasta To Make Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

One of the most important parts of making homemade macaroni and cheese is choosing the right pasta. Elbow noodles are the best choice because their curved shape holds onto the cheese sauce well, ensuring every bite is coated.

However, if you do not have elbow noodles, other short pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or rotini work as substitutes. The key is to use a pasta shape that has ridges or curves to catch that delicious cheesy sauce.

Cheese Options

Another great thing about this homemade recipe is that it allows you to use whatever cheese that you prefer. While Velveeta is known for its smooth and creamy consistency, you can replace some or all of it with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses.

A mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack will give the dish more flavor while still keeping it creamy. If you prefer a more traditional homemade macaroni and cheese, using only shredded cheddar cheese works well too. Just be sure to melt it properly so that the sauce stays smooth.

The key to using shredded cheese is that you really do need to shred it yourself. The store-bought bags of pre-shredded cheese have been coated with an anti-caking agent that prevents the cheese from melting smoothly. And if you truly want the best homemade macaroni and cheese, the sauce needs to be smooth and creamy.

Easy Steps For Making Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

When making mac and cheese, it is best to bake it in the oven to achieve the perfect consistency and texture. Therefore, start by preheating the oven to 350°F and prepare a small baking dish (1.5 quart oval baking dish is what I used) or cast iron skillet with non-stick spray.

While the oven heats, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow noodles until they are al dente. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.

For the sauce, melt unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Once melted, whisk in flour and milk until there are no clumps. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The flour helps thicken the sauce, so it coats the pasta well.

Add the cubed Velveeta cheese to the bowl with the flour and milk, and microwave in 30-second intervals. Be sure to stir in between each interval, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. This took about a total of 5 minutes for my microwave, although all microwaves cook at various rates.

Once the cheese sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta and stir until the noodles are evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 20 minutes.

This step helps the sauce thicken and develop a richer texture. After baking, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle.

Optional Crunchy Topping

If you want to add a crunchy topping, you can mix panko bread crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle it over the top before baking. This adds a slight crunch and extra texture to the dish.

The bread crumbs brown slightly in the oven, making the topping a nice contrast to the creamy macaroni and cheese.

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup elbow noodles
• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 Tbsp butter, unsalted
• 1 Tbsp flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a small baking dish with non-stick spray. You can also use a small cast iron skillet. Set aside.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water over medium-high heat. Once the water boils, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain.
3. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Then whisk in the flour and milk until there are no clumps of flour. Salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour the cubed cheese into the milk/flour/butter mixture and microwave at 30-second intervals until the cheese melts, stirring often.
5. Add the cooked macaroni and stir until well coated.
6. Place in the prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and let it sit for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes:

• If you prefer, you can use 4 ounces of Velveeta cheese and 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese. Or use only 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese to replace the Velveeta cheese in this homemade macaroni and cheese recipe.
• For an optional crunchy topping, combine 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs with 2 Tbsp unsalted butter and then sprinkle on top before you place the baking dish in the oven.

Storing leftovers is simple. If you have any macaroni and cheese left, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through. You can also add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

This recipe is perfect for a quick homemade side dish or meal because it only takes 30 minutes from start to finish. Cooking the pasta and preparing the cheese sauce happen at the same time, making it all come together at the same time. Then baking the homemade macaroni and cheese at the end gives the dish a slightly firmer texture and ensures that all the flavors come together.

With a few simple ingredients, you can make this creamy and satisfying dish that is perfect for two people. If you are looking for more easy & delicious side dish recipes for two, be sure to try my Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole (Small Batch Recipe)!

Enjoy! Mary

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