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Stovetop mac and cheese in white bowl

Stovetop Mac and Cheese

This stovetop mac and cheese is super creamy, easy to make, and always a hit with the whole family!
5 from 7 votes
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Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 491kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese shredded
  • 4 ounces gouda cheese shredded
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper plus more to taste

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large pot or dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and mix into a smooth paste. Stir frequently and cook until bubbling, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Slowly pour in milk and cream while whisking. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 2 minutes. Whisk frequently to prevent burning.
  • Add the cheddar, gouda, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese is completely melted and smooth. Add more salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add in the cooked macaroni and stir to combine. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

  • Freshly grated cheese is recommended for this recipe. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-sticking agents and may affect the creaminess of your sauce.
  • The heavy cream adds richness and a smoother mouthfeel to the sauce. You can opt for half and half or additional milk instead of heavy cream if you prefer to make this recipe lighter in fat content.
  • To store: Stovetop mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk until it’s heated through.

Nutrition

Calories: 491kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 642mg | Potassium: 332mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 638IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 442mg | Iron: 1mg
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