One-Pan White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

If you can make boxed macaroni and cheese, you can make this one-pan, scratch-made mac and cheese! The bacon, chives, and crispy bread crumb topping add some great extra flavor and texture.

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

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup margarine
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 2 ½ cups milk
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 ½ cups shredded white Cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
• ¼ cup real bacon bits
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
• 16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon snipped chives

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Combine macaroni, milk, water, garlic salt, and salt in a Dutch oven on a stovetop over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently so noodles don't stick to the pan, until noodles are soft and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 7 to 10 minutes.

Step 3

Remove pot from heat and stir in margarine and pepper until melted. Stir in Cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese until melted.

Step 4

Top pasta with bread crumbs, remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, and bacon bits.

Step 5

Place Dutch oven under the broiler until topping is lightly browned and crispy, 1 to 3 minutes. Top with chives and serve immediately.