Best 2 Creamy Stove Top Mac And Cheese Recipes

Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our creamy stove-top mac and cheese recipes, a timeless classic reinvented with a symphony of flavors. Embark on a cheesy adventure as we present three irresistible variations: the classic cheddar mac and cheese, a smoky Gouda version, and a tangy Parmesan delight. Each recipe promises a velvety smooth texture, a rich and flavorful sauce, and perfectly cooked macaroni. Discover the art of crafting this iconic comfort food with our easy-to-follow instructions, ensuring a delectable dish that will warm hearts and satisfy taste buds.

Our classic cheddar mac and cheese recipe pays homage to tradition with a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella, resulting in a golden, gooey masterpiece. For a smoky twist, our Gouda mac and cheese incorporates Gouda's bold flavor, creating a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. And for those who crave a tangy kick, our Parmesan mac and cheese elevates the classic with a generous helping of Parmesan cheese, delivering a nutty and slightly salty delight.

With these three recipes, you'll have a mac and cheese repertoire that caters to every palate. Whether you prefer the comforting familiarity of the classic cheddar version, the smoky intrigue of the Gouda variation, or the tangy zest of the Parmesan rendition, these recipes guarantee a flavorful and satisfying experience. So gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's embark on a cheesy expedition that will leave you craving more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CREAMY STOVE-TOP MAC AND CHEESE

Creamy Stove-Top Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Nancy Fuller

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

Kosher salt
1 pound medium shell pasta
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup half-and-half
2 cups grated Cheddar (about 8 ounces)
1 cup grated Colby Jack cheese (about 4 ounces)
1 heaping teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon paprika
Dash of hot sauce
4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and reserve.
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. When it begins to foam, sprinkle in the flour and stir until it becomes pasty, about 1 minute. Whisk in the milk and half-and-half and bring to a low simmer. Stir until the mixture looks thick, about 5 minutes. Add the Cheddar and Colby Jack cheese by handfuls, stirring well after each addition until melted. Mix in the mustard, paprika and hot sauce. Then fold in the cream cheese and stir well until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Lastly stir in the cooked pasta.
Serve the mac and cheese immediately while still warm and at its creamiest.

CREAMY DAIRY-FREE STOVE TOP MAC AND CHEESE

Creamy Dairy-Free Stove Top Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Michael Symon : Food Network

Categories main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1/2 pound medium shells pasta
1 cup raw cashews
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, sliced
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups cashew milk
1 tablespoon hot sauce, plus more to taste
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shells and cook 1 minute less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
For the dairy-free Parmesan: In the bowl of a food processor, add the cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder and salt. Pulse until the consistency is a fine crumb. It will resemble freshly grated Parmesan.
For the vegan cheese sauce: In a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium heat, add the olive oil. Add the garlic and sweat for a minute or 2, until aromatic. Whisk in the flour until a sandy mixture forms. Slowly whisk in the cashew milk and allow the mixture to come to a simmer. Cook while whisking constantly until thickened, 3 minutes. Whisk in the Dairy-Free Parmesan and hot sauce and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the pasta and taste for seasoning. Serve.

Tips:

Use a high-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor. A sharp cheddar will give you a more pronounced cheesy taste, while a mild cheddar will be more mellow. You can also use a combination of cheddar and other cheeses, such as Gruyère, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack.
Make sure to use cold milk and butter when making the roux. This will help to prevent the roux from curdling.
Cook the macaroni al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will help to prevent it from becoming mushy when it is mixed with the cheese sauce.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. You can add cooked vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or peas, to the macaroni and cheese. You can also add cooked meat, such as bacon, sausage, or chicken.

Conclusion:

Stovetop mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious and creamy mac and cheese that is sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this stovetop mac and cheese recipe a try.