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Overhead view of stovetop mac and cheese in a white bowl, sprinkled with pepper.
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5 from 1 vote

Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Put away the box! This stovetop mac and cheese takes just a little more time but the results are so worth it: creamy, cheesy, and all-around irresistible.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Dish, Pasta, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Rachel Gurk

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for flavor)
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
  • Optional toppings: toasted bread crumbs, additional shredded cheese, sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley, etc.

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
    8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
  • In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes, until smooth and bubbly, to make a roux.
    2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Gradually stir in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
    2 cups whole milk
  • Reduce the heat to low, and slowly add the cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the Dijon mustard (if using), salt and pepper.
    2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
  • Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, tossing until the pasta is well coated.
  • Serve immediately with toppings, if desired.
    Optional toppings: toasted bread crumbs, additional shredded cheese, sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley, etc.

Video

Notes

  • For best results, use freshly grated cheese which melts more smoothly than pre-grated.
  • If desired, substitute mild cheddar, or another type of cheese. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 386kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 382mg | Potassium: 241mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 627IU | Vitamin C: 0.002mg | Calcium: 376mg | Iron: 1mg

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