Stovetop Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
4.9
Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Description
The Stovetop Mac and Cheese recipe begins by melting butter and whisking in flour to create a roux, which thickens the cooking liquid. Water and milk are added gradually, whisked until slightly thickened, before adding uncooked elbow macaroni and seasonings including salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. The mixture is brought to a simmer and cooked for 8 to 10 minutes until the pasta is tender.
Once the macaroni is cooked, the heat is lowered and shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses are stirred in until melted and smooth, creating a rich, creamy cheese sauce clinging to the pasta. Parsley is sprinkled on top before serving to add a mild herbaceous note and color contrast.
This version produces a thick and intensely cheesy macaroni dish suitable for those wanting a substantial comfort food without baking. The inclusion of smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth. Grating cheese fresh rather than using pre-shredded improves melting quality, ensuring the sauce is smooth. Additional milk can be added if a thinner consistency is preferred.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups water
- 3 1/2 cups milk
- 1 pound elbow macaroni uncooked
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the flour, then whisk until combined, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the water and whisk until smooth and just thickened.
- Add the milk and whisk until combined.
- Stir in the macaroni, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and pepper, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is done.
- Turn the heat to low, then stir in the cheeses. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded for a smoother, better-melting sauce.
- To adjust the sauce thickness, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 478 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 478kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Cholesterol | 88mg | 29% |
| Sodium | 434mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 333mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 985IU | 20% |
| Calcium | 612mg | 61% |
| Iron | 1.3mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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