Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
697 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Description
Cooked elbow macaroni is drained and then stirred into a cheese sauce prepared by whisking butter, flour, onion powder, ground mustard, salt, and white pepper to form a roux, then gradually adding milk and cooking until thickened. Sharp cheddar cheese is folded in off the heat to melt smoothly without graininess. The result is a thick, creamy sauce coating the tender macaroni evenly.
The added seasonings contribute mild tanginess and savory notes to complement the sharpness of the cheddar. This stovetop version avoids baking and creates a smooth sauce that clings well to the pasta, making it suitable for serving directly in one pot.
This classic comfort food works well as a side or simple main dish. It can be customized by substituting or combining different cheeses as desired. The recipe’s notes suggest that adding hot sauce intensifies flavor without spiciness, and freshly shredded cheese yields a better melt and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup butter salted
- 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 cheddar cheese shredded sharp
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Turn off the heat and whisk in 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted.
- Pour cooked, drained pasta into the cheese sauce and stir well to combine. Serve hot.
Notes
- Enhance cheese flavor by adding hot sauce like Tabasco; it adds depth without heat.
- Try mixing different cheeses such as gouda, brie, or asiago for varied texture and taste.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly compared to pre-shredded cheese.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 697 kcal
% 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.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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