Easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
User Reviews
5
Easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
Description
This stovetop macaroni and cheese recipe is prepared by boiling elbow macaroni until tender, then draining and returning it to the warm pot. Butter and a combination of grated sharp cheddar, torn American cheese, and grated Parmesan are added to the pasta. The pan is covered and allowed to sit on residual warmth, enabling the cheeses to melt gently without overheating.
Milk is stirred in afterward to achieve a creamy and smooth consistency, with the option to add more milk to adjust thickness. The dish is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This technique avoids baking and keeps the preparation simple and quick.
Different melting cheeses can be substituted to vary flavor and richness. The result is a cheesy sauce coating tender pasta with a balanced sharpness and depth from the cheese blend. It can stand alone as a meal or accompany other dishes.
Leftovers store refrigerated for up to three days and reheat well with a splash of milk added to restore creaminess.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 7 ounces cheddar cheese grated, sharp
- 4 ounces processed American cheese torn in pieces
- 3 ounces Parmesan Cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons milk (may need more)
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions.
- When the macaroni is cooked, drain it briefly in a colander and then return it to the pan.
- Add the butter and the cheeses, put the lid on and set the pan back on the burner which should be still warm but switched off. Let the pan sit for about 5 minutes until the cheeses start to melt.
- Add the milk and stir until all the cheese and butter have melted. Add more milk if needed to get the consistency you like.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- The recipe can be doubled or tripled easily for larger groups without affecting texture or flavor.
- Substitute any good melting cheeses such as Swiss, Gruyere, Gouda, Monterey Jack, or blue cheese for variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat by adding a splash of milk and warming in a saucepan or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 432 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 432kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 55mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 591mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 185mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 559IU | 11% |
| Calcium | 470mg | 47% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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