Creamy Stovetop Mac & Cheese Recipe
This classic recipe for Creamy Stovetop Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food and a great addition to your Thanksgiving menu. This perfect side dish or main course dinner has simple ingredients and comes together in 30 minutes or less for a quick weeknight dinner.
Servings 8 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni or other shaped pasta
- 2 cups whole milk divided
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 3 cups shredded cheese such as sharp cheddar, colby jack, or monterey jack
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika optional
Instructions
- Bring about a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat in a large pot. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, place 1 1/2 cups of milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat to warm. Add remaining 1/2 cup of milk and all purpose flour in a small bowl, whisk until there are no lumps. Whisk the milk and flour mixture into the warmed milk until it thickens slightly, similar to heavy cream, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Lower heat to low and stir in the cheese(s). Stir in the salt and spices until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Remove the sauce from the heat and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Add the pasta to the creamy sauce and stir well to combine. Add a splash of milk if you like it creamier.
Nutrition
Calories: 381kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 581mg | Potassium: 257mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 414IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 300mg | Iron: 1mg
