Blender Macaroni And Cheese
Creamy blender macaroni and cheese with sharp cheddar flavor, smooth sauce, and optional crunchy topping, perfect for comforting family dinners or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook macaroni until tender, then drain.
- Toss cooked macaroni with margarine and transfer to a casserole dish.
- Place all other ingredients in a blender and blend until thick and mushy.
- Pour the blended cheese sauce over the macaroni in the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with crumbs, if desired.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or substituting half of the milk with sour cream. You can also use different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a unique flavor. If you prefer a bit of a kick, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. Experiment with spices such as garlic powder or paprika for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
This Blender Macaroni and Cheese pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. Consider topping it with crispy breadcrumbs or herbs for added texture and flavor. This dish is also a great base for mix-ins like cooked bacon or sautéed spinach.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to add a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blender Macaroni And Cheese contains roughly 108 calories, with 6g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1911mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
Yes, gluten-free elbows work well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as gluten-free pasta may cook faster or slower than traditional pasta. The cheese sauce will still blend beautifully regardless of the pasta type.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the macaroni and cheese up to the baking step, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
What can I do if my cheese sauce is too thick?
If your cheese sauce ends up too thick, simply stir in a little extra milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Blending the ingredients can sometimes lead to a thicker sauce, so don’t hesitate to adjust as needed to achieve that creamy texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).