Why make mac and cheese with evaporated milk?
Trying to find the right recipe for stovetop mac and cheese came with a lot of trial and error. For the base, I tried cream, béchamel, and evaporated milk. I toyed around using different combinations of fancy cheese, non-fancy cheeses and melty processed cheeses.
In the end, I returned to the basics of simplicity and convenience. As it turns out, plain old mature cheddar cheese, a dash of nutmeg, a spoonful of Dijon mustard and evaporated milk make the tastiest sauce to smother macaroni in. It’s so effortlessly cheesy and creamy. I just can’t go back to cooking it any other way.
Not only is it simple, but it is incredibly quick to throw together. This evaporated milk mac and cheese can be made in less than 20 minutes on the stovetop. Since I am usually making this for my wee one, I toss in the occasional veg when and where I can.
Evaporated Milk Mac n’ Cheese
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: serves 4-6 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple, cheesy and creamy evaporated milk mac and cheese. Loaded with veg and easy to make this is a kid and mom-friendly meal! #kidfood #easysidedish #vegetarianrecipes #familydinners #macandcheese
Ingredients
- 200 g/7 oz macaroni/shells/spirals (whichever you prefer and/or have in your cupboard)
- 150 g/1 cup frozen peas
- 390 g/~13.2 oz full cream evaporated milk
- 130 g/a little over 4 oz grated cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- pinch of nutmeg
- 1 tomato (chopped)
- chopped scallion or crispy onions to garnish (optional)
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Bring water to boil in a large pot on the stove over high heat. Add pasta and frozen peas. Cook until al dente or until they are at the desired texture. Drain.
- In a medium to a large saucepan, warm evaporated milk over medium heat.
- Add 1 tbsp of Dijon and a pinch of nutmeg and whisk to combine.
- When the mixture starts to bubble, slowly whisk in the grated cheese a little at a time. Continue to whisk the mixture for 2-3 minutes until fully incorporated in and sauce is creamy and cheesy.
- Turn heat down to low and continue to cook until thick and bubbly (about 2-5 min).
- Turn off heat and stir in pasta and peas.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with chopped tomatoes and scallions or crispy onions any other kind of veg you enjoy.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: main, pasta
- Method: boiling, simmering
- Cuisine: Western
Keywords: mac and cheese, pasta, cheese, macaroni, kid food, vegetarian, easy side dish
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