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!
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
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)
Directions
Step 1
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.
Step 2
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.
Step 3
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4
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.
Step 5
Season the cheese sauce with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Step 6
Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir well to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated.
Step 7
Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (987.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2294.4 |
| Total Fat 111.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 68.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g | |
| Cholesterol 348.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2828.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 218.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 9.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 32.0g | |
| Protein 107.0g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 214.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2236.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 9.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 803.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories