DINNER · 95RECIPES

Creamy Stovetop Mac & Cheese

Name: Creamy Stovetop Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz dry elbow macaroni; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2½ cups whole milk; ½ tsp Dijon mustard; ½ tsp fine salt, plus pasta-water salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 8 oz sharp cheddar, freshly grated; 2 oz Monterey Jack, freshly grated

A quick cheddar sauce coats every curve of elbow pasta in this cozy stovetop dinner.

10 minPrep20 minCook4Servings

Total time: 30 min · US measurements

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Creamy Stovetop Mac & Cheese serving suggestion — Illustrative serving suggestion. Photo credit

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

12 oz dry elbow macaroni3 tbsp unsalted butter3 tbsp all-purpose flour2½ cups whole milk½ tsp Dijon mustard½ tsp fine salt, plus pasta-water salt¼ tsp black pepper8 oz sharp cheddar, freshly grated2 oz Monterey Jack, freshly grated

ONE STEP AT A TIME

Let’s make it

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until just tender according to the package. Reserve ½ cup cooking water, then drain.
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the milk, starting with a small splash to make a smooth paste. Add the rest, whisking constantly.
Simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, stirring, until the sauce coats a spoon. Stir in the mustard, salt, and pepper.
Remove from the heat. Add the grated cheeses in small handfuls, stirring until each addition melts.
Fold in the drained pasta. Add a splash of the reserved water if the sauce is too thick. Serve immediately.