One-Pan White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

This one-pan shredded white Cheddar mac and cheese recipe gets extra flavor and texture from smoky bacon, fragrant chives, and crispy bread crumb topping.

• Preparation Time: 5 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 585 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon snipped chives
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2.5 cups milk
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 cup margarine
• 0.25 cup real bacon bits
• 0.5 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
• 0.25 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1.5 cups shredded white Cheddar cheese

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.

Step 2

Broil until topping is lightly browned and crispy, 1 to 3 minutes. Top with chives and serve immediately.

Step 3

Combine macaroni, milk, water, garlic salt, and salt in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to a simmer; cook, stirring frequently until macaroni is soft and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 7 to 10 minutes.

Step 4

Off heat, stir in margarine and black pepper until melted. Stir in Cheddar cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese until melted.

Step 5

Top macaroni and cheese with bread crumbs, remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, and bacon bits.