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Crispy Creamy Single Serve Mac and Cheese

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A quick and easy single serve mac and cheese recipe featuring a creamy cheese sauce with a satisfyingly crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect for solo meals or cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (56g) elbow macaroni (dry)
  • ⅓ cup (40g) shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) whole milk (or 2% or dairy-free alternatives like oat milk)
  • 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon (8g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) breadcrumbs (plain or panko), lightly toasted in butter
  • Pinch of salt, to taste
  • ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add ½ cup (56g) elbow macaroni and cook for 6-7 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In the same saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon (14g) butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon (8g) flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste and turns a light golden color.
  3. Slowly pour in ⅓ cup (80ml) milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon.
  4. Stir in a pinch of salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon mustard powder if using. Remove from heat.
  5. Add ⅓ cup (40g) shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and creamy. For extra creaminess, add a tablespoon of cream cheese or a handful of mozzarella (optional).
  6. Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
  7. In a small pan, melt 1 teaspoon butter and toast 2 tablespoons (15g) breadcrumbs until golden and crisp, about 2 minutes.
  8. Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 6-ounce ramekin. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumb topping evenly over the surface.
  9. Place the ramekin on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy and the cheese bubbles up around the edges.
  10. Let it cool for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue cooking in the oven. Toast breadcrumbs in butter for a crunchy topping. For extra crispness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning. Let the dish rest after baking to thicken the sauce. Gluten-free and vegan substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, single serve, creamy, crispy topping, easy recipe, comfort food, quick meal

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/crispy-creamy-single-serve-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-and-perfect/