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Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese Kids Love Easy Homemade Recipe

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A quick and easy creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe that kids and adults love, made with simple pantry staples and a smooth, velvety cheese sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 12 ounces/340 grams)
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (about 4 ounces/115 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: a pinch of smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted and bubbling, sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns a pale golden color and smells slightly nutty.
  3. Gradually whisk in 3 cups (720 ml) of room-temperature whole milk, pouring slowly to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble gently, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon yellow mustard powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of smoked paprika if using.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the stove and stir in 3 cups (340 grams) shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup (115 grams) shredded Gruyère cheese a handful at a time. Stir gently but thoroughly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Add the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce. Stir until all noodles are evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it.
  7. Spoon the creamy mac and cheese into bowls and enjoy while warm. Garnish with extra grated cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Add cheese off the heat to prevent grainy texture. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting. If sauce thickens too much, reheat gently with a splash of milk. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend or cornstarch. For dairy-free, use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, kids recipe, easy dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/creamy-stovetop-mac-and-cheese-kids-love-easy-homemade-recipe/