5-Ingredient Stovetop Mac and Cheese (Printable Version)
Cheesy stovetop mac with five basics, rich and creamy in minutes for effortless comfort.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
16 ounces elbow macaroni
→ Dairy
02 -
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 -
3 cups whole milk or 2% milk
04 -
16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
→ Staples
05 -
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
06 -
Salt, to taste
07 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 -
In the same pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute until blended and bubbling.
03 -
Slowly pour in milk, whisking steadily to prevent lumps. Continue stirring over medium heat until sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, about 3-5 minutes.
04 -
Remove pot from heat. Add shredded cheddar cheese in batches, stirring until completely melted and sauce is smooth.
05 -
Fold drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated. Adjust sauce consistency with additional milk if needed. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
For a silkier sauce, grate cheese freshly by hand rather than using pre-shredded varieties.