Description
Stovetop macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food that brings back childhood memories. This rich, creamy dish features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, delivering an irresistible flavor burst in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this quick recipe can be customized with your favorite ingredients, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Get ready to savor a bowl of nostalgia with this easy stovetop mac ‘n’ cheese!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux: In the same pot over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Whisk in flour and cook for about one minute until golden.
- Create Cheese Sauce: Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine: Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat evenly.
- Serve: Transfer to bowls and top with crispy panko breadcrumbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg