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Creamy mac and cheese on a plate.

Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

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  • Author: Lindsay
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 servings 1x

Description

Thick and creamy mac and cheese! People always ask me for this recipe. We call it party mac and cheese because it’s perfect for a crowd!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 cups 2% milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups grated cheese (about 12 ounces, or a block and a half - I like a mix of mild cheddar and Gruyere)
  • 1/2 cup to 1 cup warm water at the end

Instructions

  1. Cook Noodles: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions, with a generous pinch of salt added to the water. Drain, set aside, and drizzle with a bit of oil to prevent noodles from sticking.
  2. Butter and Flour: Melt the butter over medium low heat. Add flour; whisk to incorporate. Let it bubble for 2-3 minutes to cook out any floury taste. Add onion powder and salt.
  3. Add Milk: Slowly add the milk, 1/2 cup at a time. It’ll start out clumpy, but as you whisk and add more liquid, it will turn into a smooth and thickened sauce.
  4. Add Cream: Add heavy cream; simmer and whisk until the sauce is smooth and lightly thickened. Turn the heat off. (You want it to be warm enough to melt the cheese, but not boiling hot.)
  5. Add Cheese: Add the grated cheese to the warm sauce. Stir to melt completely.
  6. Finish: Add your noodles. Stir to coat. It’ll be stringy, gooey, and delicious. This is where you’ll add warm water, a little bit at a time, to reach your desired final consistency. Serve immediately!

Notes

This will thicken up as it rests, so it is best to serve almost immediately.

If you want to prep it ahead (which I do quite a bit, being that it’s party mac and cheese) – I cook the noodles ahead, grate the cheese ahead, and even make the bechamel sauce with the flour, butter, and milk. Then, right before serving, I re-warm the sauce, gently melt the cheese in, and toss the noodles in the sauce.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: stovetop mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, panera mac and cheese, mac and cheese recipe

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Find it online: https://pinchofyum.com/mac-and-cheese