Description
Creamy homemade stove top macaroni and cheese delivers comfort in minutes with simple ingredients. Sharp cheddar and smooth milk create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (500 ml)
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (226 grams)
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 grams)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (16 grams)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred) (473 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the macaroni in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
- Select a spacious saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes smooth and slightly bubbling.
- Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, continuously whisking for 1-2 minutes to create a golden roux and eliminate raw flour taste.
- Slowly stream milk into the roux, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps and create a silky smooth base.
- Simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and optional spices, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Transfer to serving dishes immediately while hot and enjoy the rich, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, use a combination of cheeses like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or monterey jack to add depth of flavor.
- Prevent lumpy sauce by whisking constantly when adding flour and milk, ensuring a smooth base for your cheese sauce.
- Experiment with mix-ins like crispy bacon bits, diced jalapeños, or caramelized onions to elevate the classic mac and cheese.
- Make it gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, and using gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg