Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Say goodbye to boxed mac and cheese with this Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe. This classic family favorite comes together on the stovetop in less than 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Servings: 6
Equipment
Ingredients
- water
- 1 tbsp salt
- 12 ounces dried elbow macaroni noodles
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp ground mustard
- ¼ tsp ground white pepper
- 2½ cups whole milk
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 2 ounces fresh parmesan cheese grated
- 2 ounces cream cheese
Instructions
- Bring a medium size pot of water to a boil over medium heat. Stir in 1 tbsp salt. Add macaroni noodles and boil for about 5 minutes until noodles are al dente (still have a slight bite).
- Strain the noodles and set aside.
- In a large pot melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour.
- Add the seasonings. Stir to combine. This will be a thick paste. Cook for 3-5 minutes to cook the flour.
- Pour in milk. Whisk to combine. Cook at just below a simmer for about 5-7 minutes, while continuing to stir occasionally. Sauce will thicken and be able to coat a spoon.
- Remove from heat, then stir in cheeses while they melt. Then add in the cream cheese and stir until that is completely melted.
- Add the cooked macaroni noodles to the cheese sauce. Stir to coat the noodles.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Video
Notes
Storage:
- Make Ahead: Prepare the cheese sauce and store in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Mix with cooked noodles when ready to serve.
- Leftovers Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat is in a pot or skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. The mac and cheese should reheat without the roux separating because of the cream cheese added to the sauce.
- Freezing: Yes, this mac and cheese can be frozen. Store in a freezer-safe container. For best results, freeze for 1-2 months.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 639mg | Potassium: 175mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 753IU | Calcium: 330mg | Iron: 1mg