Food Lab Basics: 3 Ingredient Macaroni and Cheese (1 Pot, 10 Minutes)

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while processed cheese is often less expensive.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil provides healthier fats while margarine is a budget-friendly alternative.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + cornstarch

Almond milk is lower in calories, and a cornstarch mixture can mimic creaminess.

elbow macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pasta

💰Cheaper: generic pasta

Whole wheat pasta adds fiber while generic options are often cheaper.

Add 12 ounces of short pasta to a pot.

Cover the pasta with just enough cold water to barely cover it.

Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a boil.

Stir the pasta regularly while it cooks.

Once the pasta is almost done, check the water level; it should have reduced significantly, creating a starchy slurry.

Add an equal weight of evaporated milk to the pot, using the same amount as the pasta.

Add in cheddar cheese, about the same weight as the pasta, and stir until melted and smooth.

If desired, add in ham and frozen peas to the mixture.

Add a dash of hot sauce for acidity and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens