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Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese (Quick Stovetop)

Close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy, bright orange easy homemade mac and cheese.
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Make the best homemade mac and cheese with this simple, creamy stovetop recipe. It uses basic ingredients and creates a gooey cheese sauce from scratch, perfect for beginners.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed slightly
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Do not rinse.
  2. While the pasta cooks, start the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  3. Whisk the flour into the melted butter. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, for one minute. This creates the roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in the warm milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep the heat at medium-low to prevent scorching.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  6. Add the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to the sauce one handful at a time, stirring until each addition is completely melted and smooth before adding more. This prevents a grainy sauce.
  7. Once all the cheese is incorporated and the sauce is smooth, add the cooked, drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until the pasta is fully coated.
  8. Serve the quick stovetop mac and cheese immediately for the best gooey texture.

Notes

  • Always grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
  • Warming the milk slightly before adding it to the roux helps prevent lumps in your sauce.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/easy-homemade-mac-and-cheese-recipe/