This Skillet Mac and Cheese is creamy and cheesy, making it the ultimate comfort food when you're looking for a classic family dinner. It's topped with a layer of buttery breadcrumbs for the ultimate combination of velvety texture and a crunchy bite.
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This Skillet Mac and Cheese features tangy white cheddar cheese for a rich flavor and creamy sauce. Baked in a cast iron skillet until golden brown and bubbly, this comforting dinner is a crowd pleaser. It's delicious as a dinner served with simple sides like roasted vegetables or salad and for holiday gatherings.
If you love skillet mac and cheese, you might also enjoy four cheese macaroni and cheese, southern baked macaroni and cheese and our ultimate creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipes. This hidden veggie mac and cheese made in the pressure cooker and slow cooker buffalo chicken mac and cheese are also delicious variations.
Why You'll Love Our Recipe
- It uses minimal ingredients - most likely ones you have on hand.
- It's versatile. No white cheddar? Use yellow sharp cheddar or other flavorful melting cheeses like gruyere or Monterey Jack - whatever cheese is available to you!
- Make it even more comforting and hearty by adding crispy bacon bits or hidden veggies for those picky eaters.
Ingredients
Our skillet mac and cheese uses:
- 2 ½ cups dry elbow pasta
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 2 cups freshly shredded white cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup Italian style breadcrumbs
Tips from the Chef
- Make sure the roux stays slightly thick while adding the milk to keep the sauce's thick and creamy consistency.
- Make sure the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture is stirred well with the melted butter. This helps the top become golden brown while baking.
How To Make Mac and Cheese In A Skillet
- Preheat the oven to 375℉. In a large pot, cook the elbow pasta to al dente as indicated on the package.
- While the pasta cooks, melt ¼ cup of butter in a 10 inch cast iron skillet on medium heat on the stovetop. Once melted whisk in the flour, stirring constantly until a paste forms. Slowly pour the milk into the skillet, whisking to make a roux.
- Lower the heat to low and whisk in the cheese 1 cup at a time, stirring continuously until all cheese is melted and the sauce is thick and lightly bubbling. Remove from the heat and mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce.
- Melt the remaining butter in the microwave. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese and melted butter. Stir well. Pour on top of the mac & cheese in the skillet.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top starts to turn golden brown.
How To Store
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350℉, until thoroughly warm. Macaroni and cheese can be frozen for up to 6 months, however the texture will change slightly. Thaw in the fridge overnight before warming and enjoying.
Recipe FAQs
Yes- if you do not have a cast iron skillet you can use a nonstick skillet as long as it's ovenproof.
This recipe has not been tested with panko breadcrumbs. You can use them, but I recommend mashing them into smaller bits to mimic the outcome of the recipe.
Yes! Other cheeses great for macaroni and cheese are yellow cheddar, gruyere, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Asiago and mozzarella. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than a bag.
Recipe
Skillet Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups dry elbow pasta
- ½ cup unsalted butter, divided
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 2 cups white cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup Italian style breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375℉. In a large pot, cook the elbow pasta to al dente as indicated on the package.
- While the pasta cooks, melt ¼ cup of butter in the skillet on medium heat on the stovetop. Once melted whisk in the flour, stirring constantly until a paste forms. Slowly pour the milk into the skillet, whisking to make a roux.
- Lower the heat to low and whisk in the cheese 1 cup at a time, stirring continuously until all cheese is melted and the sauce is thick and lightly bubbling. Remove from the heat and mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce.
- Melt the remaining butter in the microwave. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese and melted butter. Stir well. Pour on top of the mac & cheese in the skillet.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top starts to turn golden brown.
Notes
Nutrition
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