Ah, Macaroni and Cheese 🧀—the ultimate comfort food! Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection (or stovetop for a quick version). Here’s a classic stovetop recipe with a rich, cheesy sauce:
Classic Macaroni and Cheese
Servings: 4–6
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
- Optional: 1/2 tsp mustard powder for extra flavor
Instructions
- Cook pasta
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Cook 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens.
- Add cheese
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder if using.
- Combine with pasta
- Stir cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Optional baked version
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer macaroni and cheese to a greased baking dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve
- Serve hot and enjoy!
🔥 Tips
- For extra creaminess, add 1/4 cup cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
- Mix in bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed vegetables for variety.
- Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella for a richer flavor.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave; add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
I can also give you a three-cheese stovetop mac and cheese recipe that’s super creamy and extra cheesy—perfect for indulgence.
Do you want the three-cheese version?
