Stovetop Mac and Cheese – Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese recipe. This dish combines perfectly cooked elbow macaroni noodles with a rich and velvety cheese sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy. What sets this recipe apart is the blend of sharp cheddar, fresh parmesan, and creamy cream cheese, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors. Get ready for a quick and easy meal that will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more!
Picture this: It’s a cozy evening at home, and the aroma of melting cheese fills the air. My husband and I gather around the kitchen, eagerly awaiting our beloved Stovetop Mac and Cheese. This recipe has become a cherished tradition in our household—a symbol of comfort, togetherness, and indulgence. We can’t help but reminisce about the first time we tasted this cheesy delight, and how it has since become a staple on our family’s menu. Every bite takes us on a journey of nostalgia and happiness, making it a dish we always crave and cherish.
Why This Recipe Shines: A Cheesy Delight That Will Leave You Wanting More!
- Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni noodles: Al dente and full of bite, the macaroni noodles add a satisfying texture to the dish.
- Rich and velvety cheese sauce: Made with a blend of sharp cheddar, fresh parmesan, and creamy cream cheese, this sauce is the epitome of cheesy goodness.
- Harmonious blend of seasonings: With a touch of garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, and white pepper, the flavors in this recipe are well-balanced and utterly delicious.
- Quick and easy stovetop preparation: Say goodbye to oven-baked mac and cheese that takes ages to cook. Our recipe comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu cravings.
Ingredients:
- Water (amount may vary based on desired consistency)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 340 grams (12 ounces) dried elbow macaroni noodles
Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 30 grams (¼ cup) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
- 590 milliliters (2 ½ cups) whole milk
- 170 grams (6 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 55 grams (2 ounces) fresh parmesan cheese, shredded
- 55 grams (2 ounces) cream cheese
Directions:
In a medium-sized pot, bring water to a boil over medium heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon of salt.
Add the elbow macaroni noodles to the boiling water and cook for approximately 5 minutes until the noodles are al dente (still have a slight bite).
Strain the noodles and rinse them with cold water. Set them aside.
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and add the seasonings. Stir well to combine, creating a thick paste. Cook for 3-5 minutes to cook the flour.
Pour in the milk and whisk to combine. Cook the mixture at just below a simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and coat a spoon.
Remove the pot from the heat, then gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Add the cream cheese and continue stirring until completely melted.
Add the cooked macaroni noodles to the cheese sauce and stir to coat the noodles evenly.
Serve the mac and cheese warm, and get ready to savor every mouthwatering bite!
Notes:
- Feel free to customize your mac and cheese by adding toppings like crispy bacon, chopped green onions, or even a sprinkle of paprika for a touch of color.
- For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk or substitute part of the milk with vegetable or chicken broth. The result will still be deliciously creamy.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to retain the creaminess and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
In conclusion, our Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese recipe is a true winner when it comes to satisfying cravings and bringing comfort to the table. This dish embodies all the elements of a classic mac and cheese with a twist, thanks to its velvety cheese sauce and perfectly cooked noodles. It’s a recipe that not only delights the taste buds but also brings a sense of joy and togetherness to your dining experience.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal for a busy weeknight or craving a comforting dish on a cozy weekend, this mac and cheese recipe has got you covered. The harmonious blend of sharp cheddar, parmesan, and cream cheese creates a luscious sauce that coats every noodle, offering a rich and indulgent experience.
So, why wait? Give this Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese a try and discover the magic it brings to your table. Create lasting memories with your loved ones as you bond over this timeless comfort food. With its delicious flavors, simple preparation, and undeniable appeal, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your household.
Get ready to savor the cheesy delight, embrace the warmth it brings, and enjoy the sheer pleasure of a classic dish that never fails to impress. Let the aroma fill your kitchen, the flavors dance on your palate, and the smiles of satisfaction spread across the faces of those you share it with. It’s time to treat yourself to a bowl of creamy, dreamy goodness—Stovetop Mac and Cheese style!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like shells, penne, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Mac and cheese is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing and reheating can sometimes affect the texture and creaminess. However, if you have leftovers, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency.
Can I substitute the cheeses in the recipe?
Certainly! While the combination of sharp cheddar, parmesan, and cream cheese yields a fantastic flavor, you can get creative with different cheese varieties. Gouda, gruyere, or even a bit of blue cheese can add a unique twist to your mac and cheese.
Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- Water amount may vary based on desired consistency
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 340 grams 12 ounces dried elbow macaroni noodles
Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 30 grams ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
- 590 milliliters 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 170 grams 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 55 grams 2 ounces fresh parmesan cheese, shredded
- 55 grams 2 ounces cream cheese
Instructions
- In a medium-sized pot, bring water to a boil over medium heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Add the elbow macaroni noodles to the boiling water and cook for approximately 5 minutes until the noodles are al dente (still have a slight bite).
- Strain the noodles and rinse them with cold water. Set them aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and add the seasonings. Stir well to combine, creating a thick paste. Cook for 3-5 minutes to cook the flour.
- Pour in the milk and whisk to combine. Cook the mixture at just below a simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and coat a spoon.
- Remove the pot from the heat, then gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Add the cream cheese and continue stirring until completely melted.
- Add the cooked macaroni noodles to the cheese sauce and stir to coat the noodles evenly.
- Serve the mac and cheese warm, and get ready to savor every mouthwatering bite!
Leave a Reply