One Pot Macaroni and Cheese by Consumer Reports

Barbara in Alexandria, VA's Note:

Years and years ago, CR reviewed boxed M&C products and came to the conclusion that this recipe was much less expensive and easy. I have used it exclusively since the 70's, shared it with friends, and can tell you it is the best I have ever had. Of course, the prices are from about 30 years ago :)

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 2

• 2 cups water
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese , grated
• 2 tablespoons margarine (or butter)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 pinch paprika
• 1 pinch white pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne

Directions:

1. Using a two-quart saucepan, bring salted water to a boil. Stir in the macaroni and return the water to a boil. Stirring occasionally, continue boiling for four minutes. Then lower the heat to medium and continue to boil the macaroni with frequent stirring for seven more minutes. (You may need to reduce the heat to its lowest setting for the last two minutes to prevent sticking.) Add the remainder of the ingredients, stirring well until the cheese is melted. (Total cost per serving: 45 cents.).
2. To modify and reduce saturated fat and salt, eliminate the salt, substitute low-cholesterol cheese and skim milk for the cheddar and the cream and add two teaspoons of fried onions (one small onion, chopped finely and fried in one teaspoon of canola oil in the pasta pot before you cook the pasta, then set the onion aside and add last to the above recipe). (Total cost per serving: 48 cents.).

Reviews

[sconehead]

WOW!!! This was so easy!! I definitely be making this one again. I did add some mustard powder, garlic powder and onion powder. Put it in a casserole and topped with a bit more grated cheddar......Mmmmmmm...better than Macaroni Grill!!!! And did I mention.....SO EASY!!!!!! Thanks for sharing this recipe!!

[*Parsley*]

I give this 5 stars for many reasons. Mainly that it's gooey, creamy and cheesy, but also that it's literally ONE pot.... no draining! I made this as written and it's just as easy (if not easier) to make this than it is to make a boxed mix. I doubled the recipe and it worked just fine. I'll be whipping this up often. Thanx!

[duonyte]

I make this recipe frequently, it's a great pantry recipe for when you just need something. As others have noted, you can add mustard powder, a little hot sauce or other ingredients to modify the flavor a bit. I will sometimes stir in some chopped red bell pepper for color.