Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese recipe, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Made with a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses, this dish features a rich, silky sauce that clings to tender elbow macaroni. The secret to its incredible flavor lies in the creamy base of whole milk and heavy cream, seasoned with garlic powder, dry mustard, and a touch of black pepper for just the right balance. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy stovetop mac and cheese skips the oven while delivering next-level creaminess—no baking necessary. Serve it piping hot for a dish that’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp dry mustard powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to combine and prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses, one handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding the next.
Once the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy, stir in the garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is coated in the creamy sauce.
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Optionally, garnish with extra grated cheese or a sprinkle of parsley.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4481 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 270.3 g | 347% | |
| Saturated Fat | 162.2 g | 811% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 832 mg | 277% | |
| Sodium | 6234 mg | 271% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 313.0 g | 114% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.7 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.8 g | ||
| Protein | 188.2 g | 376% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.2 mcg | 36% | |
| Calcium | 4188 mg | 322% | |
| Iron | 15.8 mg | 88% | |
| Potassium | 1143 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
