Welcome to the creamy, cheesy goodness of stovetop macaroni and cheese! This recipe is my go-to for a quick, comforting meal that never fails to satisfy. Seriously, it’s the perfect dish for beginners because it’s so simple and requires minimal ingredients. Just imagine the smell of that melted cheddar bubbling away as you whip up this classic favorite in no time. Plus, you don’t have to worry about baking or complicated steps—just stovetop magic! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends, this mac and cheese is always a hit. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on the creamy texture and rich flavor. Let’s dive into making this delicious dish!

Ingredients for Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this creamy stovetop macaroni and cheese, and you’ll only need a handful of simple items. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

It’s super important to use shredded cheese for that gooey texture, and unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning perfectly. Feel free to play around with different cheese types or add a bit of spice if you’re feeling adventurous! Let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s jump into making this delicious stovetop macaroni and cheese! It’s all about simplicity, and I promise you’ll have it on the table in no time.

Cooking the Macaroni

First things first, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. You’ll want to add a generous pinch of salt to the water—it helps flavor the pasta! Once the water is boiling, toss in the 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s al dente—just a bit firm to the bite. Drain the macaroni and set it aside while we make the cheese sauce!

Making the Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, sprinkle in the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and stir it together for about 1 minute. This creates a roux, which will thicken your sauce. Next, gradually whisk in the 2 cups of milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Keep stirring it as it cooks for about 5 minutes until it thickens up nicely. You want it smooth and creamy, so don’t rush this part! Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts, then season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to taste.

Combining and Serving

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Pour the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is beautifully coated. If you want to jazz it up, consider adding some cooked vegetables like peas or broccoli, or even some cooked chicken or bacon for added flavor! Serve your creamy macaroni and cheese warm, and watch it disappear in no time—trust me, everyone will love it!

Tips for Success

Making stovetop macaroni and cheese is a breeze, but even the best can run into a few bumps along the way. Here are some handy tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:

• Stir constantly when making the cheese sauce to prevent it from burning. If it sticks to the bottom, it can ruin that creamy texture!
• If your cheese sauce ends up too thick, just add a splash more milk to loosen it up. You want that perfect pourable consistency!
• For an extra cheesy experience, consider mixing in different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a fun twist.
• Don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasoning! A pinch more salt or pepper can elevate the flavor.
• Feel free to add cooked vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color!

With these tips in mind, you’ll be a stovetop mac and cheese pro in no time!

Nutritional Information

Before we dig into this delicious stovetop macaroni and cheese, let’s talk nutrition! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so they’re just a guideline. Typically, you can expect:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 18g
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 500mg

It’s a comforting dish that’s not only delicious but also provides a good balance of nutrients. Enjoy it as part of a well-rounded meal!

FAQ About Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

I love sharing tips and answering questions about this delicious stovetop macaroni and cheese! Here are some common queries and my go-to responses:

Can I store leftovers?
Absolutely! Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture.

What if I want to make it healthier?
You can definitely lighten it up! Try using whole wheat macaroni or adding in some steamed veggies for extra nutrition. Substituting part of the cheese with a lower-fat option can also help.

Can I use different types of cheese?
Of course! While cheddar is classic, you can mix it up with mozzarella, gouda, or even some spicy pepper jack for a kick. Just make sure you stick to shredded cheese for the best melting results.

Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes! You can easily double or triple the recipe. Just remember to use a larger pot for cooking the macaroni and a bigger saucepan for the cheese sauce.

What can I add for extra flavor?
You can add cooked bacon, diced ham, or even a sprinkle of garlic powder or paprika for a flavor boost. The possibilities are endless!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stovetop macaroni and cheese recipe is a total winner for so many reasons! Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:

• Quick Preparation: You can whip this up in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.
• Creamy Texture: The combination of melted cheddar and creamy sauce creates a dish that’s irresistibly smooth and comforting.
• Beginner-Friendly: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe is perfect for anyone, even if you’re new to cooking!
• Customizable: You can easily add your favorite veggies or proteins to make it uniquely yours.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a classic that everyone loves, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.

Trust me, once you give this recipe a try, you’ll be hooked on its deliciousness!

Equipment Needed

Before we get cooking, let’s make sure you have all the essential kitchen tools ready to go! You’ll need:

• A large pot for boiling the macaroni
• A separate saucepan for making the cheese sauce
• A whisk to mix the cheese sauce smoothly
• A colander for draining the macaroni
• A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy

With these tools at hand, you’ll be all set to create your delicious stovetop macaroni and cheese! Happy cooking!

pasta recipes are a great way to explore more delicious dishes!
Cheese is not only tasty but also offers some health benefits when consumed in moderation.
Macaroni and cheese can be a comforting dish that provides a good balance of nutrients.

Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese: 5 Steps to Cheesy Joy

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A simple and creamy stovetop macaroni and cheese recipe perfect for beginners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot and cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
2. While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add flour to the melted butter and stir for about 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps.
5. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
7. Add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Drain the macaroni and add it to the cheese sauce, mixing well.
9. Serve warm and enjoy your dish!

Notes

• Make sure to stir the cheese sauce continuously to avoid burning.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
• You can add cooked vegetables or protein for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: stovetop macaroni and cheese, easy mac and cheese, beginner recipe