My easy stovetop mac and cheese recipe is the creamiest, most delicious I’ve made. Thanks to a simple homemade cheese sauce, this macaroni and cheese is on your table in under 30 minutes.
PROCESS:
- Cook the macaroni until soft, then drain and save some water. Melt butter in a pan and mix in flour until golden.
- Turn off the heat and slowly add milk, stirring until smooth. Heat again until it thickens, then add cream and seasonings.
- Mix in the macaroni and a bit of pasta water if it’s too thick. Stir in the cheeses until melted, then serve hot. Enjoy!
Here’s what you are going to need to make it:
Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps everything mix together.
Flour: Thickens the sauce so it’s creamy.
Milk: Makes the sauce smooth and creamy.
Heavy Cream: Adds extra richness and creaminess.
Black Pepper: Gives a little spice and flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making them pop.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Add savory flavors that make the sauce taste delicious.
Paprika: Adds a bit of sweetness and color to the sauce.
Pasta Water: Helps adjust the sauce’s thickness and helps it stick to the pasta.
Cheddar Cheese: Provides that classic cheesy flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds gooeyness and melts like a dream.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup pasta water
- 140-gram cheddar
- 80-gram mozzarella
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the macaroni and let it cook for about 8 minutes. You want it tender but still a bit firm (al dente). Give it a stir now and then so it doesn’t stick together. Once it’s done, drain the pasta but save about a cup of that pasta water for later!
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a medium pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir it around for about a minute until it turns golden. This is your roux!
Step 3: Add the Milk
- Now, turn off the heat briefly and pour in the milk while stirring to avoid any lumps. Once it’s mixed well, turn the heat back on to medium and keep stirring until the sauce thickens up a bit. This should only take a few minutes.
Step 4: Mix in Cream and Seasonings
- Next, add the heavy cream along with the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir it all together until it’s nice and smooth.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
- Add the cooked macaroni right into the sauce and stir it all up so every piece is coated in that creamy goodness. If it looks too thick, just splash in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you get the consistency you like.
Step 6: Simmer
- Let everything simmer on low heat for about 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together nicely.
Step 7: Add Cheese
- Time for the best part! Sprinkle the mozzarella on top and give it a gentle stir. If you like a little heat, add some chili flakes now.
Step 8: Serve
- Serve it up while it’s hot and gooey. Feel free to top with more cheese or your favorite toppings. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Tips and Notes:
- Elbow macaroni is classic, but feel free to use other shapes like shells or penne for a fun twist!
- Mixing different cheeses can add depth. Try adding some Gruyère or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Taste as you go! You can adjust the spices to suit your preferences. A little mustard powder can add a nice tang, too.
- For a baked version, transfer the mac and cheese to a casserole dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
- Feel free to mix in cooked veggies (like broccoli or spinach), bacon, or chicken for added nutrition and flavor.
- If the sauce gets too thick, just add a bit more reserved pasta water or milk to reach your desired creaminess.
- This recipe serves about 4, but you can easily double it for a crowd!
