Stove Top Cheddar Mac
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy Stove Top Cheddar Mac recipe, a quick and easy homemade twist on a timeless classic. Featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a velvety, cheesy sauce made from sharp cheddar, this dish is the perfect balance of rich, savory, and satisfying. The magic begins with a buttery roux that’s whisked to golden perfection, creating a luxurious base for the creamy milk and melted cheese. Hints of garlic powder, black pepper, and optional paprika add a touch of depth and flavor sophistication. Ready in just 30 minutes, this foolproof stovetop recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent weekends. Serve it as a comforting main dish or a versatile side—either way, it's guaranteed to be a family favorite!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups Whole milk
- 2.5 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 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 the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2
In a large, non-stick saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
Step 3
Add the all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. The mixture should become golden and bubbly.
Step 4
Gradually pour the whole milk into the roux, whisking constantly to combine. Continue to cook and stir for 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 5
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the sauce one handful at a time, stirring until fully melted before adding more.
Step 6
Season the cheese sauce with salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well to incorporate the spices.
Step 7
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently stir until the pasta is fully coated and the dish is creamy.
Step 8
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. If desired, sprinkle paprika on top for a hint of color and flavor.
Step 9
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your Stove Top Cheddar Mac!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1163.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2655.4 |
| Total Fat 149.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 92.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g | |
| Cholesterol 466.2mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4400.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 211.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 8.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 36.6g | |
| Protein 121.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 328.4IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2771.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 10.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1288.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories