Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
This creamy stovetop macaroni and cheese features a rich blend of white cheddar and extra sharp yellow cheddar cheeses, combined with evaporated milk and cream cheese for an ultra-smooth texture. A buttery roux with paprika adds a subtle depth of flavor, making this comforting classic easy to prepare and perfect for a hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 ounces elbow pasta
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 ½ cups evaporated milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 2 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups extra sharp yellow cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp salt
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, covering it to speed up the boiling. Add the elbow pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a large shallow pan over medium heat, melt the butter until foamy. Add the flour and paprika, whisking constantly until a smooth paste forms, about 1 minute. This creates the base for the sauce.
- Add the Milks and Cream Cheese: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, evaporated milk, and cream cheese, breaking up the cream cheese with a wooden spoon. Bring this mixture to a low boil over 5-6 minutes while whisking frequently to combine and thicken.
- Incorporate the Cheeses: Add the shredded white and yellow cheddar cheeses one cup at a time to the milk mixture, whisking constantly until fully melted and smooth, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then allow the sauce to boil gently for an additional 2 minutes while whisking to ensure a silky texture.
- Combine and Serve: Immediately pour the cheese sauce over the drained pasta, stirring gently to coat evenly. Serve warm for a creamy, comforting dish.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting quality; pre-shredded cheese may result in a grainy sauce.
- Adjust the thickness of the cheese sauce by adding more milk if it gets too thick.
- For extra flavor, a dash of mustard powder or hot sauce can be added to the cheese sauce.
- Leftovers refrigerate well and can be gently reheated on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
Keywords: macaroni and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, cheddar cheese pasta, comfort food recipe
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