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Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 458 reviews
  • Author: Jack
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This classic stovetop macaroni and cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy comfort food made from scratch using simple pantry ingredients. Rich butter and a blend of three cheeses create a luscious sauce that cooks along with the pasta, resulting in tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a smooth, flavorful cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Sauce

  • 50 g / 3 1/2 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups milk (full fat preferred but low fat is ok)
  • 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese blend (Cheddar, Colby, Gruyere)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta and Liquid

  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 250 g / 2 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

Instructions

  1. Melt Butter and Make Roux: Melt the butter in a medium pot or large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and stir constantly, cooking for 1 minute to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
  2. Add Initial Milk to Form Slurry: Pour about 3/4 cup of milk into the roux and mix well; this will create a smooth slurry quickly.
  3. Add Remaining Milk, Water, and Seasonings: Gradually add the rest of the milk, stirring to combine thoroughly. Then add the water and season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add Pasta and Stir: Add the elbow macaroni to the pot and stir to coat the pasta with the sauce. Stir occasionally as the mixture heats up over medium heat.
  5. Simmer and Cook Pasta: Once you see wisps of steam when stirring, reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue to stir regularly and let the mixture bubble gently for 9 to 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender yet firm, and the sauce has thickened but remains slightly thinner than desired.
  6. Finish with Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and quickly stir in the shredded mozzarella and the blended cheese (Cheddar, Colby, Gruyere). The cheese will melt and thicken the sauce further, enhancing the creaminess and flavor. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve Immediately: For the best creamy texture and flavor, serve the macaroni and cheese right away while hot.

Notes

  • Using full-fat milk will yield a richer sauce, but low-fat milk is an acceptable substitute.
  • The combination of Cheddar, Colby, and Gruyere cheese provides a balanced sharp and creamy flavor.
  • Be careful not to overcook the macaroni; it should be tender but still firm to avoid mushiness.
  • Stirring regularly during cooking prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end as cheese adds saltiness to the dish.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: macaroni and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, creamy cheese pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, homemade mac and cheese

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Find it online: https://eatwithjack.com/stovetop-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe/