Name: Easy & Creamy Mac and Cheese (No Flour, No Roux!)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni (or other small pasta shape); 2–3 cups whole milk (start with 2 cups; adjust as needed); 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated from block); 1 cup melty cheese blend (like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Fontina); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; Salt (to taste); Black pepper (to taste, freshly ground preferred); ½ tsp mustard powder (optional, enhances cheese flavor); Pinch of paprika (optional, adds warmth and color)

AuthorJake TaylorDifficultyBeginner

Yields4 Servings

Prep Time5 minsCook Time20 minsTotal Time25 mins

📝 Ingredients:

8 oz elbow macaroni (or other small pasta shape)

2–3 cups whole milk (start with 2 cups; adjust as needed)

1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated from block)

1 cup melty cheese blend (like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Fontina)

2 tbsp unsalted butter

Salt (to taste)

Black pepper (to taste, freshly ground preferred)

½ tsp mustard powder (optional, enhances cheese flavor)

Pinch of paprika (optional, adds warmth and color)

🥣 Instructions:

Simmer Pasta in Milk:

In a medium pot, combine pasta, 2 cups of milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.

Cook Until Tender:

Let pasta simmer for 8–10 minutes until tender and most of the milk has reduced. Stir often to prevent sticking and promote starch release.

Remove from Heat:

Once pasta is cooked and sauce is slightly thickened, remove the pot from heat.

Add Cheese Gradually:

Stir in grated cheddar and melty cheese blend a little at a time until fully melted. Add more milk if needed for a looser sauce.

Macaroni cooking in a pot with melted cheese being stirred in, demonstrating the no-flour cheese sauce technique.

Adjust Consistency:

Too thick? Add a splash of milk. Too thin? Return to low heat and stir gently.

Season and Serve:

Add mustard powder and paprika (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot and enjoy!

Creamy Mac and Cheese (No Flour, No Roux!)

Ingredients