One Pan Mac and Cheese

Growing up, I was an extremely picky eater. I hated to see anything green in my food. One of the few things that I would eat (and could eat every. single. day.) was mac and cheese. It's still one of my favorite foods... and I could still probably eat it every day (but it would not be very good for my health...)

I recently figured out a way to make mac and cheese easier. In the past, I had been making a roux to make the sauce and boiling the pasta separately. This is probably the easiest mac and cheese recipe you'll come across- and it doesn't come with a neon orange powder. 

One Pan Macaroni and Cheese (Makes 4 servings)

1/2 box Macaroni Noodles

2 cups Water

1/2 cup Milk
2 tbsp Butter
2 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese
2 slices American Cheese
Shaved Pecorino Cheese
Salt 

Pepper 

Garlic Powder

1. In a large saute pan, bring the noodles and water to a boil.

2. Once it boils for about 2 minutes, add the milk and butter. 

3. When the noodles become about 75% cooked (try one), add the cheese in. Chop up the cheddar, and shave the pecorino with a vegetable peeler. You can shave about 10-12 pieces. Add more if you wish!

4. Mix the cheese into the mixture, and then add seasoning to taste. Pecorino is salty, so you can add less salt than you normally would. 

5. Continue to mix the mac and cheese until the sauce thickens. You don't need to add any flour, because the starch from the pasta will help to thicken the sauce. 

6. Add more milk if the noodles become too dry. Once you get the right consistency and the noodles are done cooking, serve!

This is one of the simplest recipes you will come across, and it will be done in just over 20 minutes! Perfect way to enjoy comfort food made with love and cheese (although they're basically the same thing) Thanks for reading! :)

Loaded Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese: the epitome of comfort food. Mac and cheese is one of my favorite foods. Its warm, comforting, full bodied flavor can't be denied. It can only get better by adding bacon and vegetables.The bread crumbs create textural juxtaposition and create a delightful crust. Homemade mac and cheese creates a story filled with comfort, encouragement, and love. It's a symphony of effort and generosity. The richness of each cheesy mouthful resonates in the soul. There's so much value in each bite of a well-made mac and cheese. This recipe is delicious and simple. As daunting as making a cheese sauce can seem, it's easy and quick!

Loaded Mac and Cheese (makes 9x13" casserole)
For the Sauce:
2 cups Milk
3 tbsp Butter
1/4 cup Flour
4 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese
5 slices American Cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 lb Macaroni
3 strips Bacon
12-14 Grape Tomatoes
1 Broccoli 
1 Corn
1 Pepper (any color)
7 Baby Bella Mushrooms
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
Bread Crumbs

1. Heat milk and butter in a medium-sized pot. Do not boil.
2. When scalding, add flour at once. Whisk until smooth and thickened. There may be chunks. Mix thoroughly and break up the chunks as much as possible. Do not worry too much about what is left.
3. Remove from heat and whisk in cheese and seasoning.
4. Pour the cheese sauce through a sieve, into a bowl.
5. Boil water for macaroni. Season and add oil to water, if desired. Cook macaroni al dente.
6. Strain noodles and run under cold water to stop the cooking.
7. While you wait for the noodles to cook, cut tomatoes into quarters. Cut the florets off the crown of broccoli. Cut corn off the cob. Small dice the pepper as well as the mushrooms.  
8. Lastly, cut the bacon into small pieces. I like to cut meat last because it prevents the cross-contamination.
9. In a large pot, cook bacon. Add the vegetables after the bacon has cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Add noodles once the vegetables are cooked.
11. Mix thoroughly so the vegetables are spread throughout the noodles.
12. Add sauce and mix until well incorporated.
13. Place into a 9x13" casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with bread crumbs.
14. Put in the oven on a high broil for 5-7 minutes, until the bread crumbs are toasted.
15. Remove from oven and enjoy while it's hot.

Watch this video! Eat with your eyes! And then make some and eat with your mouth!