Simple Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy, comforting, and ready in just 25 minutes, this Simple Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate homemade answer to your cheesy cravings! Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing side dish, this recipe delivers tender elbow macaroni coated in a velvety, made-from-scratch cheese sauce. The rich combination of sharp cheddar, a touch of butter, and a silky milk base creates a luscious, gooey texture that rivals any boxed mix. With minimal ingredients and no baking required, this one-pot wonder is as easy as it is satisfying. Garnish with a dash of paprika for a pop of color and extra flavor, and watch it disappear from the table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 2 cups Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons Paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. The mixture should be smooth and free of lumps.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir well to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated.
Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
562 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.9 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.3 g | 91% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 88 mg | 29% | |
| Sodium | 659 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 52.8 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.9 g | ||
| Protein | 25.7 g | 51% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.6 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 555 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 232 mg | 5% | |
*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.
