Print

Cozy Skillet Mac and Cheese

cozy skillet mac and cheese - featured image
Print Recipe

A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese made entirely in one skillet, perfect for power outages or cozy nights in. This recipe combines sharp cheddar and smoked gouda for a rich, comforting dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for toasting breadcrumbs)

Instructions

  1. Bring 3 cups of salted water to a boil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook until just shy of al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once foamy, whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste, forming a smooth roux.
  3. Slowly pour in 2 ½ cups of whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Gradually add 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup smoked gouda, stirring until melted and silky smooth.
  5. Return the drained pasta to the skillet. Gently fold it into the cheese sauce until every elbow is coated. Heat through for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. If using, toss ½ cup breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook over low heat for 3-5 minutes until the topping is lightly toasted.
  7. Let the mac and cheese rest for a minute or two to thicken slightly. Serve warm.

Notes

Avoid high heat during cheese melting to prevent grainy sauce. If sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk. Freshly grate cheese for best melting. If no lid, cover skillet tightly with foil to trap steam. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, substitute ingredients as noted.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, skillet mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, power outage recipe, easy mac and cheese

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/cozy-skillet-mac-and-cheese-recipe-perfect-for-power-outages/