5 Ingredient Mac and Cheese (2024)

4.62 from 13 votes

This simple 5 ingredient macaroni and cheese recipe is the base of all great cheesiness. Eat it straight from the pot or bake it in the oven for an easy baked mac and cheese. Either way, it's delicious!

Recipe: $3.64 | Per Serving: $0.36 | Servings: 10

🥘Ingredients

🧂Seasonings

This mac and cheese recipe serves as a basic foundation, ideal for beginners or those looking to add their own flavor twists.

To enhance flavor without adding heat, consider incorporating a few dashes of cayenne pepper into the cheese sauce. This addition provides a subtle color boost and elevates overall flavor profiles.

For additional seasoning options, you can experiment with:

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Smoked paprika
• Ground mustard

📖Variations

For a richer flavor, increase the cheese quantity by up to another cup. Mix different cheeses for added complexity; for instance, use 8 ounces of cheddar cheese in the sauce and incorporate miscellaneous cheeses like deli slices, mozzarella chunks, or shredded parmesan. It's an excellent way to utilize leftover cheeses!

🔪 Instructions for 5 Ingredient Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Boil noodles according to package directions (Image 1).

Step 2: Drain into a colander and set aside (Image 2).

Step 3: While the noodles are cooking, melt your butter over medium heat in a medium-sized pot (Image 3).

Step 4: Add in the flour (Image 4) and whisk until combined. It will create a few flour lumps. This is okay.

Step 5 Slowly add in the milk and whisk together until smooth (Image 5).

Step 6: Keep whisking until the mixture thickens (about 2-3 minutes) (Image 6).

Step 7: Add in the cheese (Image 7).

Step 8: Continue whisking until it's well-mixed and smooth (Image 8).

Step 9: Pour the cheese sauce over the noodles (Image 9).

Step 10: Stir to combine (Image 10).

Scoop and serve.

Enjoy!

🥗 Side Dishes

This recipe tastes incredible as a main dish on its own (especially if you sprinkle little bacon bits on top or mix diced ham into the noodles!

Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers and Cast Iron Green Beans are some great dishes to serve alongside this creamy macaroni recipe!

⏲️Make Ahead Instructions

If you plan on making this 5 ingredient mac and cheese in advance (like a few hours or a day in advance of dinner), you'll want to keep it covered in the fridge until you're ready to heat and eat. In this case, I'd keep it in a covered baking dish and heat it in the oven because it's super simple to do.

Also, make sure to reduce the flour in the sauce by half (so only use 2 tablespoons) and cook the pasta until al dente, so it doesn't become too soft before serving.

👩🏻‍🍳 Storage

Fridge- Mac and cheese can be left well covered or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 or 5 days in the fridge. You can reheat it a single serving at a time on a plate in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes.

Freezer- This is a great dish to make and freeze for future meals! Simply make it as directed and then place it in a freezer friendly baking dish, covered in the freezer, until you're ready to eat.

You can bake it from frozen or let it thaw in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours before baking.

What noodle shape is best?

Oh, that's a tough question! Making mac and cheese with whatever noodles you have on hand can always be a winner with the kids. Even crazy rainbow rotini noodles can be seen as fun and exciting (although I'm not a fan of the color combination). Use whatever is on sale or that you have on hand and you can't go wrong.

Can I use gluten free noodles?

Yes, you can! I often find myself using rice noodles when my sister comes over for dinner and I swap out the flour for gluten free flour instead of all-purpose. This would make the dish gluten free (and celiac friendly).

Should you cover mac and cheese when cooking?

No, you shouldn't need to cover your macaroni when baking it. You want the top to become a nice golden brown color. If you notice the top is getting too dark for your liking, you can gently lay a piece of foil over the top to prevent further browning.

5 Ingredient Mac and Cheese

A delicious and cheesy comfort dish that the whole family will enjoy! Serve it as a main dish or side dish. It's a fast and simple either way!

Servings: 10 servings

Calories: 322kcal

Cost Recipe $3.64 / Serving $0.36

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 322kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 188mg | Potassium: 196mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 376IU | Calcium: 231mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used. To view how this recipe was calculated you can visit my Pricing Disclosure Page for more information.