Looking for a simple side or main course for a busy weeknight? Try Stovetop Mac and Cheese! It takes less than 20 minutes to prepare this easy dish and the best part is that no backing is required. It’s all stovetop! So forget the pasty boxed mac and cheese and try this extra creamy homemade recipe!
How to make stovetop Mac and Cheese
This recipe comes together surprisingly quick and you probably have most of the ingredients. Check to make sure you have plenty of white cheddar cheese and I like to add a few dollops of cream cheese for a extra creaminess. I recommend gathering and measuring your ingredients before you get started. Here’s a list of what you’ll need.
Ingredients to have on hand to make stovetop mac and cheese
- Dried pasta. I like to use Orcheocele.
- Whole milk (lowfat is okay too)
- All-purpose flour
- Butter
- Onion and garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese
Process
Cook the pasta according to manufacturers instructions. Always salt the water generously and when done, don’t rinse the pasta. I always save a few tablespoons of pasta water to add during the cooking process. The starchy water helps the sauces to adhere to the pasta.
Make a roux. Melt the butter and add a few tablespoons of milk, garlic and onion powder, paprika, and salt. Cook until the mixture begins to brown. Whisk until uniform throughout.
Add the remaining milk and cook until thickened. Next, add the cheese! Whisk until silky and smooth, a minute or two. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
Add the cooked pasta and stir until combined. Serve immediately. When re-heating this dish, add a little extra milk.
Serve with a side salad or grilled fish or chicken.
For dessert, try cowboy ranch cookies or a fruit galette!
Stovetop Mac & Cheese
Looking for a simple side or main course for a busy weeknight? Try Stovetop Mac and Cheese! It takes less than 20 minutes to prepare this easy dish and the best part is that no backing is required. It’s all stovetop! So forget the pasty boxed mac and cheese and try this extra creamy homemade recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pasta. I used Orecchiette
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 1/2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons of butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 teaspoon paprika
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese
Instructions
Make a roux. In a medium saucepan or dutch oven, add butter. In a small bowl mix flour and spices. Add to melted butter and cook until the mixture thickens and starts to brown.
Cook pasta according to manufacturers instructions.
Add 1/2 the milk mixture and whisk to combine. Cook for a couple minutes or until mixture starts to thicken. Do not boil.
Add cheese and stir until creamy.
Add pasta and stir to coat. Serve immediately. If you need to reheat this dish I recommend adding a little milk.
Notes
Serve with a side of grilled chicken and for dessert I recommend a strawberry galette or cowboy ranch cookies.
