AmericanLunchVegetarianComfort Food

Macaroni and cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a lunch american recipe with 550 calories per serving, nutrition details, and step-by-step preparation guidance.

Calories

550 kcal

Total Time

25 min

Servings

1

Protein

22.5 g

Ingredients

  • elbow macaroni (about 70g dry)1 cup
  • butter2 tbsp
  • all-purpose flour2 tbsp
  • whole milk1 cup
  • shredded sharp cheddar cheese1 cup
  • SaltTo taste
  • Black pepperTo taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Step 1

    Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 cup of elbow macaroni until al dente, about 8 minutes.

  2. 2

    Step 2

    Drain the pasta and set aside.

  3. 3

    Step 3

    In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

  4. 4

    Step 4

    Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

  5. 5

    Step 5

    Gradually whisk in 1 cup of whole milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.

  6. 6

    Step 6

    Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

  7. 7

    Step 7

    Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.

  8. 8

    Step 8

    Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.

Nutrition Snapshot

Macros and micros at a glance

Calories

550

Protein

22.5g

Carbs

45g

Fat

28g

Fiber

2g

Micronutrients

Iron

1.2 mg

Zinc

3 mg

Sodium

600 mg

Calcium

350 mg

Folate

60 mcg

Magnesium

25 mg

Potassium

150 mg

Vitamin C

0.5 mg

Vitamin A

400 mcg

Vitamin B12

1.5 mcg

Diet and Allergen Guide

Vegetarian

Yes

Vegan

No

Gluten Free

No

Dairy Free

No

Allergens

MilkGluten

Meal Prep and Storage

Make it easier to prep ahead

Macaroni and cheese can usually be portioned into airtight containers and refrigerated for 2 to 4 days depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Macaroni and cheese

How many calories are in Macaroni and cheese?

Macaroni and cheese has about 550 calories per serving based on the current ingredient list and serving size on this page.

Is Macaroni and cheese suitable for vegetarians?

Yes. Macaroni and cheese is suitable for vegetarians as written.

Is Macaroni and cheese gluten-free?

Macaroni and cheese is not reliably gluten-free as written because it includes all-purpose flour. You can often adapt it with gluten-free swaps if needed.

Are there any allergen ingredients in Macaroni and cheese?

Yes. This recipe includes Milk and Gluten. Always review ingredient labels if you are cooking for an allergy-sensitive household.

Can I make Macaroni and cheese ahead of time?

Macaroni and cheese can usually be portioned into airtight containers and refrigerated for 2 to 4 days depending on the ingredients used.

Personalize This Recipe

Download Forkd and compare this recipe against your own calorie target.

See whether this meal fits your daily calories, protein goals, and broader nutrition plan after you create a profile in the app.

Recipe Emails

Get recipe ideas and nutrition tips in your inbox.

If you liked Macaroni and cheese, sign up for new recipe collections, calorie guides, and simple nutrition tips from Forkd.

Related Recipes

More recipes to try next