Stovetop Mac and Cheese

How to Make the Perfect Mac and Cheese

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

30 mins

Course: Main Course 

Cuisine: American 

Keyword: dinner, kid friendly, mac and cheese 

Servings: 6 servings

Author: Jenny Flake

Ingredients

• 3/4 pound dry small pasta I used elbow
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 cups milk I used skim
• 2 cups finely shredded mild cheddar cheese and maybe a white cheddar or Asiago or 4cheese blend

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. I recommend cooking the pasta a minute less than the directions.  Drain and set aside for a few minutes.
2. To prepare roux, melt butter into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted whisk in flour, salt and pepper. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until color of roux gets slightly darker. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring continuously until thickened, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to a simmer and stir in cheese until melted.
3. Transfer cooked pasta to large dutch oven or pot over low heat. Pour cheese sauce over top, stirring to combine. This is a thick and creamy sauce. To thin the sauce, add a few tablespoons of milk at a time until at desired consistency.