Mac And Cheese Bowl: 3 Sensational Secret Ingredients | Rory Recipes

A comforting bowl of creamy, cheesy macaroni that brings together classic flavors with modern convenience. This mac and cheese bowl is perfect for busy weeknights, a comforting lunch, or anytime you need some delicious comfort food that satisfies the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Mac and Cheese Bowl

This homemade macaroni and cheese bowl takes a beloved classic to the next level. It’s creamy, cheesy, and customizable with your favorite mix-ins. Plus, it comes together quickly for those nights when you need something satisfying without much fuss. The individual bowl format makes it perfect for family dinners where everyone can add their own favorite toppings!

Ingredients

• Elbow Macaroni – The classic pasta shape that holds sauce perfectly in its curves and crevices.
• Butter – Creates a rich base for the cheese sauce and adds a velvety texture.
• All-Purpose Flour – Works with butter to create a roux that thickens the sauce beautifully.
• Whole Milk – Provides creaminess and helps create that perfect sauce consistency.
• Heavy Cream – Adds extra richness and a silky-smooth texture to your cheese sauce.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese – The star flavor that gives that classic mac and cheese taste we all love.
• Monterey Jack – Melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy complement to the sharper cheddar.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty, savory depth of flavor to round out the cheese profile.
• Mustard Powder – A secret ingredient that enhances the cheese flavor without adding a mustard taste.
• Garlic Powder – Adds a subtle savory note that elevates the overall flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper – Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
• Optional Toppings – Crispy bacon bits, toasted breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, or hot sauce add customizable flair.

Full ingredient measurements will be listed in the recipe card below!

How to Make

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Begin by placing a spacious, heavy-bottomed pot over moderate heat and allowing the butter to completely liquefy. Sprinkle in the flour and use a whisk to blend vigorously without stopping for approximately 60-120 seconds, creating that essential base mixture known as a roux.

1. Slowly incorporate the milk and heavy cream in a steady stream, maintaining continuous whisking motion to ensure a perfectly smooth consistency without any unwanted clumps forming.
   Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Reduce heat to low and add the cheeses a handful at a time, stirring until completely melted before adding more.
3. Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating mustard powder, a touch of garlic powder, and a careful balance of salt and freshly ground pepper, whisking until thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
4. Fold the prepared elbow macaroni into your velvety cheese mixture, gently tossing everything together until each pasta piece is thoroughly enveloped in the rich, creamy sauce.
5. Portion the mac and cheese into individual serving bowls and add your desired toppings.

Pro Tips

• Cook your pasta just until al dente or even slightly underdone, as it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot cheese sauce.
• Grate your cheese from blocks rather than using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy instead of smooth.
• For the creamiest sauce, bring your milk and cream to room temperature before adding to the roux.
• If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it to your desired consistency.
• For a flavor boost, try adding a few dashes of hot sauce or a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the cheese sauce.

How to Serve Your Mac and Cheese Bowl

Serve your macaroni and cheese bowl piping hot with your choice of toppings. Set up a “mac and cheese bowl bar” with various toppings so everyone can customize their own bowl. Some great serving suggestions include:

• Top with buttery toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a delightful crunch
• Add crispy bacon bits or diced ham for a protein boost
• Incorporate freshly steamed green vegetables like tender broccoli florets or sweet garden peas for a nutritional boost that adds vibrant color and texture contrast.
• Drizzle with hot sauce or sprinkle with red pepper flakes for some heat
• Add a dollop of sour cream and chives for a loaded baked potato vibe

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: This mac and cheese freezes well for up to 2 months. Portion into individual containers before freezing for easy reheating.
• When warming leftovers, revive the original silky texture by stirring in a small amount of milk before gentle reheating, which prevents the sauce from becoming too thick or separating. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Conclusion

The ultimate mac and cheese bowl is a timeless comfort food that brings together creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked macaroni for a satisfying meal any day of the week. Whether you’re serving it as a quick weeknight dinner or customizing it for a special occasion, this Tini mac and cheese recipe recipe is sure to become a family favorite. With endless topping possibilities and simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, you’re just minutes away from enjoying this classic American dish in its most comforting form.

Mac And Cheese Bowl: 3 Amazing Secret Ingredients

---

• Author: Chef Rory
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in this creamy, cheesy mac and cheese bowl featuring perfectly cooked elbow macaroni smothered in a velvety three-cheese sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting dish can be customized with your favorite toppings for a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional Toppings
• ¼ cup toasted breadcrumbs
• 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Hot sauce to taste

---

Instructions

• Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni for 1-2 minutes less than package directions indicate. Drain and set aside.
• Prepare the roux – Begin by placing a spacious, heavy-bottomed pot over moderate heat and allowing the butter to completely liquefy. Sprinkle in the flour and use a whisk to blend vigorously without stopping for approximately 60-120 seconds, creating that essential base mixture known as a roux.
• Create the sauce base – Slowly incorporate the milk and heavy cream in a steady stream, maintaining continuous whisking motion to ensure a perfectly smooth consistency without any unwanted clumps forming. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the cheese – Reduce heat to low and add the cheeses a handful at a time, stirring until each addition is completely melted before adding more. This gradual method ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Season the sauce – Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating mustard powder, a touch of garlic powder, and a careful balance of salt and freshly ground pepper, whisking until thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Combine pasta and sauce – Fold the prepared elbow macaroni into your velvety cheese mixture, gently tossing everything together until each pasta piece is thoroughly enveloped in the rich, creamy sauce.
• Serve in bowls – Portion the finished mac and cheese into individual serving bowls and top with your choice of optional toppings for a customized meal experience.

Notes

• For the creamiest texture, always use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties which contain anti-caking agents.
• The mac and cheese will continue to thicken as it stands, so serve immediately for the best consistency.
• If sauce becomes too thick, thin with a small amount of warm milk.
• For a crunchy topping, broil bowls topped with breadcrumbs for 1-2 minutes before serving.
• Cooking pasta slightly underdone (al dente) ensures it won’t become mushy when mixed with the hot sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1½ cups)
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: mac and cheese bowl, macaroni and cheese, creamy pasta, cheese sauce, comfort food, homemade mac and cheese, easy dinner recipe, stovetop mac and cheese