Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Name: Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 16 oz elbow macaroni; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2.5 cups whole milk; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 0.5 tsp mustard powder; 0.5 tsp salt, plus more to taste; 0.25 tsp black pepper

Elbow macaroni in a silky cheddar sauce, made entirely on the stovetop in one pot — creamy, sharp and ready in about 25 minutes.

Tips for the best Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Shred the cheese yourself if you can. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in starch that can make the sauce grainy.
Take the pan off the heat before you stir in the cheese, so it melts smoothly instead of splitting.
Cook the pasta just to al dente. It softens a little more in the sauce.

Ingredient swaps

Swap some of the cheddar for Gruyère, Monterey Jack or smoked cheddar.
No mustard powder? A small spoon of Dijon mustard does the same job.
Use any short pasta: shells, cavatappi or penne.

Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Elbow macaroni in a silky cheddar sauce, made entirely on the stovetop in one pot — creamy, sharp and ready in about 25 minutes.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

16 oz elbow macaroni
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2.5 cups whole milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
0.5 tsp mustard powder
0.5 tsp salt, plus more to taste
0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

1 Large pot

Method

Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk, then cook, whisking often, for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella a handful at a time until melted and smooth. Stir in the mustard powder, salt and pepper.
Add the cooked macaroni back to the pot and stir until every piece is coated in the cheese sauce. Serve immediately.