The last thing we need when overly busy, is worrying about what to feed the people in our lives….. didn’t I just feed them yesterday?! When time is short & you have a million & one other things going on, you need something easy, quick & satisfying! I have the perfect solution!
My quick fix Macaroni! – Thank me later!
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For those of you that follow me, you will know I recently moved & home life has been pretty hectic! You know when you have good intentions to try & give your family good wholesome meals, but that never always quite goes to plan!
Over the last few weeks, with all of the major changes happening in our lives…. I let the budding chef in me slack to the max! – Can you say, too many fried chicken takeaways?? :S My kids didn’t complain…….. in fact the opposite! All good for them, but, I was starting to feel guilty that they’re eating way too much junk!
I had to make time to feed them something home made, something I know contains #nonasties. That’s where my decadently creamy Mac & Cheese came into action!
Still not having enough time to make many things, I needed something quick & easy & not too time consuming, also, it needed to be filling enough to keep hunger at bay! I don’t know about you, but all I’ve heard ALL summer long is the words –
“I’m hungry” So this needed to hit the spot!
I know there are a million recipes for Mac & Cheese out there, all singing all dancing…. But honestly, you ain’t getting better than this!! It’s creamy, cheesy, & oh so comforting!!
So here’s my take on a family favorite recipe that will have you reaching for second helpings!
Quick Fix Baked Macaroni Cheese
With #nonasties this home made Mac & Cheese is a easy deliciously filling satisfying quick fix!
Ingredients
- 1 Stick 8 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 Blocks 8 ounces strong cheddar cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 Egg slightly beaten
- 1 Small Bag Elbow Macaroni
- 4 Ounces Cream Cheese room temperature, cut into small cubes
- 3/4 Cup Cooking Cream Such as President - warmed
- 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese divided
- 1 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs/Home Made Breadcrumbs
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
Instructions
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Preheat the oven & rub some butter into a baking dish.
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package. Drain pasta and set aside.
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Melt the butter in a large skillet, over low heat. Add the cubed cheddar & melt until creamy, stirring constantly. Add the egg & stir until egg is mixed into the cheese. Add pasta to skillet & stir until combined. Stir in the cooking cream & cream cheese, until cream cheese has melted into the pasta.
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Add half of the pasta mixture to the baking dish & top with half of the ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. Add the remaining half of the pasta, followed by the remaining Parmesan.
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In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, olive oil and salt. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top. Bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown & crispy on top.
This can be served as a side dish, but honestly it’s so satisfying you will find it hard to fit anything else in with this!! You can also add some crispy Turkey Bacon into the crumb if you want that extra flavor boost!
Hey! Do you have a classic Mac & Cheese recipe in your family? Do you add any little twists to an already classic dish? Let me know in the comments below & don’t forget to share!!
What is a small bag of elbow macaroni? What size pan did you use?
Author
Hi Susan! Elbow macaroni is the small pasta tubes that look like bent arms (hence the elbow) I used a rice pan, not sure of the size, possibly 8″
Thanks for reading 🙂
haha love the “nonasties” hashtag! And love homemade mac n cheese even more! Yum!
Author
xD I’m all about the #nonasties ….gotta hashtag that!! lol Thanks for reading! 🙂
I am a fiend for mac n cheese! Its seriously my go to side dish. (Don’t judge) Carbs & I have a love|hate relationship. 😛 Pinning for later. This looks amazing!
Kendra B
http://www.helga-marie.com
Author
I’m the same with carbs, I try to steer clear….. but Mac&Cheese has a funny way of twisting my arm! 😛
I absolutely LOVE mac & cheese! Talk about my #1 comfort food! Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Author
Thanks Lauren, Let me know how it turns out! 🙂