Make this silky smooth mac and cheese all in one pot.

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Whats better than pasta coated in a creamy, silky, cheesy sauce?

Theres a reason whymac and cheeseis beloved by children and adults alike.

One pot mac and cheese in a dutch oven with a wooden spoon, and in the surroundings, a bowl with cracker topping and a mustard kitchen towel

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

I also dont always love the thickness and heaviness of a roux-based sauce.

Theres something to be said about the thinner coating you get from the boxed stuff.

This recipe is my ideal hybrid of both.

Plateful of one pot mac and cheese with a fork, and in the surroundings, a dutch oven with more, a glass of water, utensils, and a mustard kitchen towel

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

The result is a silky smooth sauce with big flavor that perfectly clings to macaroni.

Dont Skip the Topping

The topping on this mac and cheese might be my favorite part.

Not to mention that you’re able to make the topping right in the same pot!

Close-up: spoon lifting some one pot mac and cheese with cracker topping

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Luckily, it comes together quickly and easily so making it for a crowd isnt stressful.

you could even make the topping a day ahead to save some time.

Itd be great as a side forgrilled chickenor steak, but honestly tastes delicious alongside practically anything.

One pot mac and cheese in a dutch oven with a wooden spoon, and in the surroundings, a bowl with cracker topping and a mustard kitchen towel

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Youll want to weigh your crackers and/or measure the crumbs as the exact cracker count varies between brands.

you’re free to swap cheeses in this recipe, but dont replace the cream cheese.

Add the crushed crackers, black pepper, and kosher salt and stir to coat with the melted butter.

Ritz cracker topping toasting in the dutch oven and mixed using a rubber spatula

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Continue to toast over medium heat, stirring often, until golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes.

Transfer the toasted cracker crumbs to a plate to cool and wipe the pot clean of any tiny crumbs.

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat.

Melted butter and seasoning toasting in a dutch oven for one pot mac and cheese recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Once melted, add the ground mustard, pepper, and cayenne (if using).

Stir to combine with the butter and lightly toast until fragrant, 15 to 30 seconds.

Take care to not let the spices or butter begin to brown.

Water and half and half added to the dutch oven for one pot mac and cheese recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Add the water, half and half, and kosher salt to the butter mixture and stir to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, uncovered.

Remove from the heat.

Macaroni pasta added to the dutch oven for one pot mac & cheese recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Simple Tip!

Because the liquid is bubbling up around the elbows, it may seem like it hasnt reduced enough.

Add the cream cheese to the pasta mixture and stir until almost completely melted.

Macaroni boiling in the water and half & half mixture in the dutch oven for macaroni and cheese one pot recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack and stir until the cheeses are completely melted and saucy.

Taste the mac and cheese.

Season with more salt and pepper as needed.

Cubes of cream cheese added to dutch oven for mac’n’cheese one pot recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Serve immediately topped with the toasted Ritz topping, if using.

Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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Shredded cheeses added to dutch oven for one pot mac n cheese recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

One pot mac and cheese ingredients all mixed together in the dutch oven

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

One pot mac and cheese topped with cracker topping

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Close-up: wooden spoon lifting mac and cheese

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe