Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the creamy nostalgia of Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese, a true comfort food classic brought to life in your kitchen! This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a luscious, velvety cheese sauce made from a trio of sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, and creamy American cheese. Using a homemade roux, whole milk, and heavy cream, the dish achieves the perfect balance of rich, cheesy goodness. It's seasoned with just the right amount of salt and white pepper, with an optional sprinkle of paprika for added flair. Whether served fresh from the stovetop or baked until golden and bubbly, this family-favorite meal is quick to prepare—ready in just 40 minutes—making it perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or any time you crave cheesy comfort. Give your dinner table a taste of homemade elegance with this irresistible macaroni and cheese recipe!

Nutriscore Rating: 49/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Mild cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup American cheese, diced
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground white pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons Paprika (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling, salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to make a roux.

Step 3

Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a smooth mixture. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until the mixture begins to thicken.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the sharp cheddar cheese, mild cheddar cheese, and American cheese, one handful at a time, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5

Season the cheese sauce with salt and ground white pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6

Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, folding gently to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 7

Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, if desired, or serve as is for a stovetop version.

Step 8

If baking, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle a light dusting of paprika (optional) over the top and bake for 15 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Step 9

Serve warm and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1833.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4736.2

Total Fat 340.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 207.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 1042.6mg	0%
Sodium 8886.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 226.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.6g	0%
Total Sugars 51.0g
Protein 182.1g	0%

Vitamin D 445.4IU	0%
Calcium 4663.7mg	0%
Iron 12.2mg	0%
Potassium 2113.6mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 65.2%

Protein: 15.5%

Carbs: 19.3%