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Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

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This creamy stovetop macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a velvety, cheesy sauce made with cheddar, cream cheese, and a splash of milk. Quick, easy, and nostalgic, it’s perfect for cozy dinners, potlucks, or a comforting family meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • Salt (for boiling water and to taste)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (omit or substitute for gluten-free)
  • 2 cups whole milk (2% works too)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup American cheese, chopped or torn (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • Paprika or cayenne (optional, a pinch for color and heat)
  • Crumbled bacon (optional, for topping)
  • Chopped parsley (optional, for topping)
  • Hot sauce (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and light golden.
  3. Gradually pour in whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add cream cheese and American cheese (if using). Stir until completely smooth and melted.
  5. Add sharp cheddar, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir until cheese is fully melted and sauce is creamy.
  6. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk; if too thin, let it simmer for another minute.
  7. Pour drained macaroni into the cheese sauce. Stir gently until every noodle is coated.
  8. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Add paprika or cayenne if desired.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with crumbled bacon, parsley, or hot sauce if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and omit or substitute the flour. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded. Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed. For vegan or dairy-free, use plant-based cheese, dairy-free butter, and non-dairy milk. Add-ins like peas, roasted veggies, or caramelized onions can be included for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni and cheese, stovetop, creamy, comfort food, easy, cheddar, kid-friendly, quick dinner, potluck, classic

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/creamy-stovetop-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe-best-easy-comfort-food/