Description
This One Pot Stovetop Mac and Cheese recipe offers a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic made easy in a single pot. Combining sharp cheddar, parmesan, and gruyere cheeses with a flavorful blend of spices, this macaroni and cheese is rich, indulgent, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or cozy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Liquids
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 cups water
- 4 cups whole milk
Butter & Thickening Agent
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all purpose, unbleached flour
Spices
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
Cheeses
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup gruyere cheese, freshly grated
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, roughly chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Make Roux: In a large dutch oven or stock pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth and combined. Cook this roux for 2-3 minutes, whisking frequently, until it turns a light golden color to develop a slightly nutty flavor.
- Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the water and whole milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the liquid mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add Spices and Pasta: Stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, ground mustard powder, ground black pepper, and coarse salt. Then add the elbow macaroni and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain the simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the pot bottom. Cook for 8-9 minutes until the pasta is al dente but not overcooked.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the sharp cheddar, parmesan, and gruyere cheeses until they fully melt into a creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve the mac and cheese hot and enjoy a rich, creamy comfort dish made all in one pot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta to maintain a perfect texture.
- Stir regularly to avoid pasta sticking and burning on the bottom.
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with 2% milk, but the result will be less creamy.
- This recipe can be adapted to gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, one pot macaroni, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food
