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4.9 from 525 votes

Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Skip the box and make the good stuff! This Mac and Cheese is easy to make on the stovetop and it's ready in just 15 minutes.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 697 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup salted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 3 cups milk whole, 2%, or 1%
  • 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Fill a large 4 to 6-quart saucepan or pot with water and bring to a boil. Add in 1 pound elbow macaroni and cook to al dente, according to the package directions. Drain well.
  2. Meanwhile, in another large 4 to 6-quart saucepan or pot, melt 1/2 cup salted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is completely melted, whisk in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon white pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
  3. Slowly pour in 3 cups milk and whisk until smooth. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
  4. Turn off the heat and whisk in 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted.
  5. Pour cooked, drained pasta into the cheese sauce and stir well to combine. Serve hot. 

Notes

  • One of the best ways to enhance the flavor of cheese in cheese sauces is to add hot sauce. It doesn't make it spicy, it just adds more flavor. For this recipe, add in 4 dashes of Tabasco sauce, or 2 tablespoons of Frank's Red Hot sauce with the milk.
  • Any blend of cheeses can be used in place of the sharp cheddar. Gouda, brie, provolone, goat cheese, mozzarella, gruyere, Monterey jack, fontina, and asiago are all great options for mac and cheese. Use any combination of them! Freshly shredded melts better and gives you a smoother sauce.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 697kcal (35%) Carbohydrates 72g (24%) Protein 25g (50%) Fat 33g (51%) Saturated Fat 20g (100%) Cholesterol 94mg (31%) Sodium 823mg (34%) Potassium 404mg (12%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 1080IU (22%) Calcium 456mg (46%) Iron 1.8mg (10%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 697

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 697kcal 35%
Carbohydrates 72g 24%
Protein 25g 50%
Fat 33g 51%
Saturated Fat 20g 100%
Cholesterol 94mg 31%
Sodium 823mg 34%
Potassium 404mg 9%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 9g 18%
Vitamin A 1080IU 22%
Calcium 456mg 46%
Iron 1.8mg 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.