Stovetop Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
524 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Description
Stovetop Mac and Cheese involves cooking elbow macaroni until just al dente, then mixing it into a cheese sauce prepared on the stove. The sauce begins with a roux made of butter, flour, and ground mustard, which is whisked with milk to thicken. Sharp cheddar cheese is melted into the sauce to create a smooth, creamy base. Seasonings of salt and black pepper complete the dish. Uniquely, this recipe suggests topping the finished mac and cheese with additional shredded cheese and crushed saltine crackers for a crunchy contrast. This method avoids baking and keeps the preparation direct and flexible.
The texture ranges from the tender bite of the macaroni to the creamy, velvety sauce enveloping the pasta. The sauce flavor is cheesy and buttery with the mild tang of ground mustard subtle in the background. Cooking on the stovetop allows control over sauce thickness and immediate serving.
This mac and cheese serves well as a comforting main or side dish, suitable for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner. The optional crushed cracker topping adds a pleasant crunch that contrasts with the soft pasta and sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni large
- 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- 2 milk at room temperature, whole cups
- 3 cups cheddar cheese shredded sharp
- salt to taste, kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, kosher salt and freshly ground
- shredded cheese optional, extra for serving, shredded cheese; crushed saltine crackers
- saltine crackers optional, extra for serving, shredded cheese; crushed saltine crackers
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it just until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter over medium heat in a large pot. Turn the heat to low and whisk in the flour and ground mustard to create a paste. Whisk in milk until smooth. Turn the heat to medium and whisk until the sauce starts to thicken, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the drained pasta and stir until well coated with the cheese sauce. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Garnish with a little shredded cheese and crushed saltine crackers, if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 524 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 524kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Cholesterol | 79mg | 26% |
| Sodium | 356mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 182mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 799IU | 16% |
| Calcium | 422mg | 42% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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