Ultimate Easy StoveTop Mac Cheese Recipe Quick Delicious

Ah, mac and cheese—the ultimate comfort food! It holds a special place in my heart and my stomach. I still remember my mom stirring a big pot of it on the stove after a long day, filling the house with that irresistible cheesy aroma. There was just something magical about those creamy noodles that felt like a warm hug. Whether it’s a cold winter evening or a busy weeknight, Easy Stove-Top Mac and Cheese is always a go-to in my kitchen. It’s simple, quick, and oh-so-satisfying!

Today, I’m excited to share this delightful recipe with you. Grab your spoon, and let’s create some cheesy goodness together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious in a flash!
• Budget-Friendly: Using simple pantry staples, this dish won’t break the bank.
• Comforting Flavors: Rich, cheesy goodness that warms your heart and soul.
• Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins or spices to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delectable mac and cheese:

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or any milk you have on hand)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (feel free to mix cheese types!)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: breadcrumbs, paprika, or chopped herbs for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your creamy masterpiece:

1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want them al dente, as they’ll continue cooking later.
2. While the pasta is cooking, grab a medium saucepan. Melt the butter over medium heat. As it melts, breathe in that buttery goodness—nothing quite like it!
3. Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in the flour. Whisk it together for about a minute, creating a roux. It’ll look a bit pasty, but that’s just fine. This step is crucial for that creamy texture!
4. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
5. Add the cheddar cheese (oh, the smell is heavenly!), garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until all the cheese is melted and you have a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Drain the macaroni when finished cooking, and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Then, add the pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until every noodle is coated in cheesy goodness.
7. If you like a little crunch on top, you could sprinkle some breadcrumbs in a small saucepan with a little butter to toast them, then sprinkle them over your mac and cheese before serving.

Pro Tips & Variations

Now for some fun! Here are a few ideas to play around with:

• Add Heat: Sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a kick!
• Mix it Up: Throw in cooked veggies like broccoli, spinach, or peas for extra nutrition.
• Change up the Cheese: Go bold with smoked gouda, creamy mozzarella, or even a sharp blue cheese for a unique twist.
• Herby Addition: Freshly chopped parsley or chives can brighten up the dish beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This mac and cheese is fantastic as a standalone dish, but it’s also delicious as a side. I love serving it with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon. If you’re feeling hearty, pair it with roasted chicken or some barbecue ribs for an indulgent feast. You could even enjoy it with a glass of chilled white wine or, if it’s chilly outside, a warm cocoa. It feels so inviting!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep your mac and cheese fresh:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Unused portions can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it cool completely before placing in your freezer-safe container.
• Reheat: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm it up in the microwave or a saucepan, adding a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta. You might need to adjust cooking times slightly, so keep an eye on it!

What kind of cheese should I use?

Sharp cheddar is a classic, but feel free to get adventurous! A mix of cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack can create a fabulous depth of flavor.

Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance! Just follow the recipe up to combining the cheese sauce with the pasta, then store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently and stir in a bit of milk to loosen it up again.

Is this a kid-friendly recipe?

Without a doubt! Kids love mac and cheese. You can involve them in the cooking process by letting them stir the cheese into the sauce or choose fun toppings!

Conclusion

I hope you try this Easy Stove-Top Mac and Cheese and make it your own! It’s a dish that brings back memories, and I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Did you add a special twist? Or maybe you invited some friends over to share in the cheesy goodness? Drop a comment below sharing your happy mac and cheese moments, and let’s keep the conversation going! Happy cooking, my friend!

Ultimate Easy StoveTop Mac Cheese Recipe Quick Delicious

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Whip up a quick delish mac cheese using this ultimate stovetop recipe Perfect for busy nights or a comforting treat Enjoy creamy goodness

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 ounces elbow macaroni

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: breadcrumbs, paprika, or chopped herbs for garnish

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Instructions

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.

While the pasta is cooking, grab a medium saucepan. Melt the butter over medium heat.

Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk together for about a minute to create a roux.

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps, until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Add the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder, stirring until the cheese is melted and smooth.

Drain the macaroni, rinse under cold water, and add it to the cheese sauce, stirring until coated.

Optional: Toast breadcrumbs in a pan with butter for a crunchy topping before serving.

Notes

A quick and easy stove-top mac and cheese recipe that’s creamy, comforting, and perfect for any weeknight dinner.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 grams
• Fat: 18 grams
• Carbohydrates: 45 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 20 grams

Keywords: mac and cheese, comfort food, quick recipe, easy dinner