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    Pink Owl Kitchen » Side Dishes » Smoked Cheddar Mac and Cheese for Two

    Smoked Cheddar Mac and Cheese for Two

    Published: Jan 27, 2021 · Modified: Jul 29, 2021 by Ashley · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Creamy smoked cheddar mac and cheese served in individual ramekins is the perfect date night recipe!
    Creamy smoked cheddar mac and cheese served in individual ramekins is the perfect date night recipe!

    This Smoked Cheddar Mac and Cheese for Two recipe is rich, decadent, and the perfect addition to your next date night (or just because) menu!

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    smoked cheddar mac and cheese served in two single-serve ramekins sitting on top of white linen topped with fresh rosemary and a small spoon beside ramekin.

    With all the extra time we've been spending at home, I try to find different ways to shake up date night. One of my favorite things to do is create an at-home date night experience with a romantic atmosphere and a delicious menu that would rival any fancy restaurant!

    Prepared and served in single-serve ramekins, this mac and cheese is creamy, smoky and perfectly portioned for a night in. This deliciously creamy Smoked Cheddar Mac and Cheese pairs perfectly with any entrée you happen to be in the mood for, from steak to chicken, salmon, shrimp, or anything in between!

    How To Make This Mac and Cheese Recipe

    Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease two 8 ounce ramekins and set aside.

    Heat a tablespoon of butter in a medium skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about another minute.

    Add flour to skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add half and half while continuing to stir. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce is thickened, stirring constantly.

    Add cheese to sauce and stir to combine. Add macaroni noodles and stir to coat all noodles with cheese sauce. Add more salt and pepper to taste if desired. Transfer mac and cheese to prepared ramekins and sprinkle a small amount of cheese on top of each ramekin. Bake in preheated oven for 15- 20 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

    Allow mac and cheese to cool for about 5 minutes and enjoy!

    smoked cheddar mac and cheese served in two single-serve ramekins sitting on top of white linen topped with fresh rosemary and a small spoon beside ramekin.

    What Other Cheeses Can I Use In This Recipe?

    Any good melting cheese works beautifully in this mac and cheese recipe. Just to name a few:

    • Sharp or mild cheddar
    • Gouda
    • Gruyere
    • Fontina

    These are all great options for this mac and cheese recipe! Crumbly cheeses such as feta or goat cheese are not ideal for mac and cheese.

    Also try to avoid packaged pre-shredded cheese as they have additives to keep the cheese from clumping together, which affect their melting capability. Shredding your own cheese using a grater is the best way to go when preparing mac and cheese at home.

    smoked cheddar mac and cheese served in two single-serve ramekins sitting on top of white linen topped with fresh rosemary and a small spoon inside one ramekin.

    Can I Make This Recipe Into a Large Serving?

    Absolutely! You will simply need to adjust your measurements. Follow the measurements in this Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe for a full size portion.

    What to Serve With Smoked Cheddar Mac and Cheese for Two

    The options are plentiful when it comes to main courses and vegetables to accompany this delicious mac and cheese. Grilled or pan-seared salmon, braised chicken, grilled or pan-seared steak, grilled shrimp, meatloaf, tuna steaks, kabobs...you name it and it will probably go great with this Smoked Cheddar Mac and Cheese!

    Some Pink Owl Kitchen favorites are:

    Maple Dijon Salmon

    Parmesan Crusted Catfish

    Maple Chipotle Salmon

    Buffalo Salmon Sliders

    smoked cheddar mac and cheese served in two single-serve ramekins sitting on top of white linen topped with fresh rosemary and a small spoon beside ramekin.

    You Will Also Love This Southern Mac and Cheese Recipe!

    smoked cheddar mac and cheese served in two single-serve ramekins sitting on top of white linen topped with fresh rosemary and a small spoon beside ramekin.

    Smoked Cheddar Mac and Cheese for Two

    Ashley
    These single-serve ramekins of creamy Smoked Cheddar Mac and Cheese are perfect for your next date night!
    3.5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American, Date Night
    Servings 2 ramekins
    Calories 417 kcal

    Equipment

    • 2 8-ounce ramekins

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 1 clove garlic minced
    • ¼ cup yellow onion chopped
    • 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
    • ¾ cup half and half
    • ¼-½ teaspoon smoked sea salt or regular salt
    • ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • pinch of cayenne pepper optional
    • ½ cup smoked cheddar cheese
    • 1 ½ cups macaroni noodles cooked to al dente according to package instructions

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease two 8-ounce ramekins and set aside.
    • Heat a tablespoon of butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about another minute.
    • Add flour to skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add half and half while continuing to stir. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce is thickened, stirring constantly.
    • Add cheese to sauce and stir to combine. Add macaroni noodles and stir to coat all noodles with cheese sauce. Add more salt and pepper to taste if desired. Transfer mac and cheese to prepared ramekins and sprinkle a small amount of cheese on top of each ramekin. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
    • Allow mac and cheese to cool for about 5 minutes and enjoy!

    Notes

    see blog post above for cheese substitution options

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1RamekinCalories: 417kcalCarbohydrates: 31.6gProtein: 14.5gFat: 26.1gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 548mgFiber: 1.7gSugar: 2gCalcium: 317mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword date night recipes, mac and cheese, side dish recipes
    Tried this recipe?Tag @thepinkowlkitchen on Instagram! Don't forget to leave a star rating and review!

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    Ashley Boyd - creator of Pink Owl Kitchen

    Hi! I'm Ashley.

    I'm Ashley, go-to chef and hostess for huge family gatherings, new mom of a beautiful baby boy, and creator behind Pink Owl Kitchen. All of our recipes are influenced by my Southern upbringing and feature fresh, seasonal ingredients to bring families together around the dinner table more.

    Learn more about me →

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