Stove Top Cheddar Mac
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy Stove Top Cheddar Mac recipe, a quick and easy homemade twist on a timeless classic. Featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a velvety, cheesy sauce made from sharp cheddar, this dish is the perfect balance of rich, savory, and satisfying. The magic begins with a buttery roux that’s whisked to golden perfection, creating a luxurious base for the creamy milk and melted cheese. Hints of garlic powder, black pepper, and optional paprika add a touch of depth and flavor sophistication. Ready in just 30 minutes, this foolproof stovetop recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent weekends. Serve it as a comforting main dish or a versatile side—either way, it's guaranteed to be a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups Whole milk
- 2.5 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 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 the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large, non-stick saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
Add the all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. The mixture should become golden and bubbly.
Gradually pour the whole milk into the roux, whisking constantly to combine. Continue to cook and stir for 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the sauce one handful at a time, stirring until fully melted before adding more.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well to incorporate the spices.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently stir until the pasta is fully coated and the dish is creamy.
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. If desired, sprinkle paprika on top for a hint of color and flavor.
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your Stove Top Cheddar Mac!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
668 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 37.2 g | 48% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.5 g | 118% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 113 mg | 38% | |
| Sodium | 1002 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 56.9 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.6 g | ||
| Protein | 30.4 g | 61% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.4 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 689 mg | 53% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 356 mg | 8% | |
*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.
