Classic Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Name: Classic Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 250 grams Elbow Macaroni (or other small pasta shape); 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter; 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour; 500 ml Whole Milk (can use 2% milk for a slightly lighter sauce); 200 grams Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded); 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste); 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground, or to taste); pinch Nutmeg (optional, but enhances cheese flavor)

A quick and easy recipe for creamy stovetop mac and cheese, perfect for a comforting meal. This simple version combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from a classic roux, milk, and sharp cheddar cheese.

#Mac and Cheese

#Pasta

#Comfort Food

#Cheese

#Quick Recipe

#Stovetop

#Family Meal

Boiling Macaroni Pasta

Recipe Information

10m

Prep Time

18m

Cook Time

28m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

American

German

Nutrition (per serving)

450

Calories

20g

Protein

45g

Carbs

25g

Fat

Creamy Cheese Sauce in Progress

Ingredients

Elbow Macaroni
(or other small pasta shape)
250 grams
Unsalted Butter
2 tablespoons
All-Purpose Flour
2 tablespoons
Whole Milk
(can use 2% milk for a slightly lighter sauce)
500 ml
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
(shredded)
200 grams
Salt
(or to taste)
1 teaspoon
Black Pepper
(freshly ground, or to taste)
0.5 teaspoon
Nutmeg
(optional, but enhances cheese flavor)
pinch

Servings: 4

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Macaroni Mixed with Cheese Sauce

Instructions

0/6 completed

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 7-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
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9m
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 7-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
9m
Ensure water is well-salted to flavor the pasta from within.
2
While the pasta is cooking, melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
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2m
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While the pasta is cooking, melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
2m
Cook the roux gently to avoid burning the flour, ensuring it smells nutty.
3
Gradually whisk in the whole milk to the roux, a little at a time, until the sauce is smooth and lump-free. Continue to whisk and cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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4m
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Gradually whisk in the whole milk to the roux, a little at a time, until the sauce is smooth and lump-free. Continue to whisk and cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4m
Adding cold milk to a hot roux helps prevent lumps. Keep whisking to maintain a smooth consistency.
4
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and an optional pinch of nutmeg. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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2m
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Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and an optional pinch of nutmeg. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
2m
Removing from heat before adding cheese prevents the cheese from becoming oily or grainy.
5
Add the drained cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce.
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1m
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Add the drained cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce.
1m
Do not rinse the pasta after draining; the residual starch helps the sauce cling better.
6
Serve your classic stovetop mac and cheese immediately. Enjoy!
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0m
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Serve your classic stovetop mac and cheese immediately. Enjoy!
0m
Mac and cheese is best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce can thicken upon standing. Garnish with fresh chives or paprika if desired.