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Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Better Than Box Mac and Cheese

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A quick and easy stovetop macaroni and cheese recipe that is creamy, cheesy, and better than any boxed version. Made with simple pantry staples and real shredded cheese for a comforting homemade meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (about 2 cups) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and golden.
  3. Slowly pour in 2 cups of warmed whole milk, whisking continuously to keep the sauce smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
  5. Lower the heat to low and gradually add 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère (if using). Stir gently until the cheese melts completely into a creamy, smooth sauce.
  6. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring thoroughly to coat every noodle. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve immediately for best creamy texture. If holding for a few minutes, keep warm on very low heat and stir occasionally.

Notes

Warm the milk before adding to the roux to avoid lumps. Use shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for smoother melting. Melt cheese over low heat to prevent grainy or greasy sauce. If sauce thickens too much after sitting, stir in a splash of warm milk to loosen it.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, comfort food, quick dinner

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/creamy-stovetop-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe-better-than-box-mac-and-cheese/