SPEDY RECIPES’ BEST MACARONI AND CHEESE

Creamy, nostalgic, and ready in 30 minutes: because family comfort shouldn’t take all day!

Why You’ll Love This

✅ Grandma’s creaminess meets modern speed (no roux, no baking!).
✅ Kid-approved + customizable for picky eaters.
✅ Uses simple ingredients you already have.
✅ Perfect for weeknights and cozy weekends.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6) for Best Macaroni And Cheese

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 cup evaporated milk (the secret to silkiness!)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar (or mix with Gruyère for extra depth)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, adds warmth)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins (Get creative!):

• Crispy bacon bits
• Sautéed spinach
• Diced jalapeños
• Breadcrumb topping (toast 1/4 cup panko + 1 tbsp butter)

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese

1. Cook the pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente (8–10 mins). Drain, but save 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Make the sauce: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in evaporated milk, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Cheese magic: Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in shredded cheese until melted and velvety.
4. Combine: Toss cooked pasta into the sauce. Add splashes of pasta water if needed to loosen.
5. Serve: Top with extra cheese, a sprinkle of paprika, or your favorite add-ins.

Spedy Tips

🔥 Kid-Friendly Hack: Let the little ones stir in the cheese or pick their own toppings (rainbow sprinkles? Why not!).
🔥 Leftovers?: Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
🔥 Adult Upgrade: Stir in a dash of hot sauce or truffle oil.

Enhance the reader’s experience by linking to related content for complementary recipes or cooking tips:

Story Time with Emma

“This recipe is my modern spin on the mac and cheese my grandma made me after school. Hers took an hour: mine takes 30 minutes, but it still tastes like a hug. My kids love adding ‘magic sprinkles’ (paprika) to theirs!”

Pair With:

• A crisp green salad (5-minute balsamic dressing: olive oil + vinegar + honey)
• Garlic bread (toast + butter + garlic powder = done!)

Tag us in your #SpedyMacMasterpiece: we’ll share our favorites! 🧀✨

Cooking fast doesn’t mean skipping the love. Let’s make memories, one cheesy bite at a time!

Best Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy, nostalgic, and ready in 30 minutes, this macaroni and cheese combines Grandma’s creaminess with modern speed—no roux, no baking required.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 cup evaporated milk (the secret to silkiness!)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar (or mix with Gruyère for extra depth)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, adds warmth)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• Crispy bacon bits
• Sautéed spinach
• Diced jalapeños
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (toast with 1 tbsp butter)

Instructions

 

Cooking

• Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain, but save 1/2 cup pasta water.
• In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in evaporated milk, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in shredded cheese until melted and velvety.
• Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding splashes of pasta water if needed to loosen.
• Serve topped with extra cheese, a sprinkle of paprika, or your favorite add-ins.

Notes

Kid-Friendly Hack: Let the little ones stir in the cheese or pick their own toppings (rainbow sprinkles? Why not!). Leftovers?: Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Adult Upgrade: Stir in a dash of hot sauce or truffle oil.

Keyword Comfort Food, Kid-Friendly, Macaroni and Cheese, Pasta Dish, Quick Recipe