---
comments: true
tags:
  - pasta
  - italian
---
# :spaghetti: Easiest Ever Macaroni & Cheese

![Easiest Ever Macaroni & Cheese](../assets/images/easiest-ever-macaroni-&-cheese.jpg){ loading=lazy }

| :timer_clock: Total Time |
|:-----------------------: |
| 17 minutes |

## :salt: Ingredients

- :droplet: 1.5 cups water
- :glass_of_milk: 1 cup milk
- :spaghetti: 8 oz elbow macaroni
- :cheese_wedge: 4 oz American cheese (shredded, from deli)
- :cheese_wedge: 4 oz extra-sharp cheddar
- :hotdog: 0.5 tsp [Dijon mustard][1]
- :hot_pepper: 1 pinch cayenne
- :bread: 0.33 cup panko breadcrumbs
- :olive: 1 Tbsp olive oil
- :salt: 0.13 tsp salt
- :salt: 0.13 tsp pepper
- :cheese_wedge: 2 Tbsp Parmesan

## :cooking: Cookware

- 1 saucepan
- 1 skillet

## :pencil: Instructions

### Step 1

Boil water and milk and stir in elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook 6 to 8 minutes.

### Step 2

Add in American cheese (shredded, from deli), extra-sharp cheddar, Dijon mustard, and cayenne.

### Step 3

Cook, stirring constantly, until cheese has completely melted. Cover saucepan and let stand for 5 minutes.

### Step 4

Meanwhile, combine panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, and 1/8 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper in a skillet.

### Step 5

Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until evenly browned, 3 to 4 minutes.

### Step 6

Off heat, sprinkle Parmesan over panko and stir to combine.

### Step 7

Transfer macaroni to serving dish and sprinkle panko mixture over top.

[1]: <../sauces-and-dressings/dijon-mustard.md>