Indulge in a creamy, cheesy delight with our collection of stovetop mac and cheese recipes. This classic comfort food is elevated to new heights with a variety of flavor combinations and textures. From the classic cheddar cheese sauce to unique twists like bacon and jalapeno or butternut squash, our recipes cater to every palate. Whether you prefer a rich and gooey mac and cheese or a lighter, healthier version, we have something for everyone. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and prepare to savor the ultimate mac and cheese experience.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CREAMY STOVETOP BACON MAC AND CHEESE
Provided by Kelsey Nixon
Categories side-dish
Time 50m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente; drain.
- Set an extra-large skillet, or a large heavy saucepan, over medium-low heat and cook the bacon until crispy and the fat renders out, 10 to 12 minutes. Set the bacon aside, reserving the fat to build your sauce. At this point you should have about 1/4 cup of reserved fat. If needed, add some olive oil or butter to make sure you have a 1/4 cup of fat in the pan.
- Add the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the paste bubbles a bit, about 2 minutes (make sure it doesn't brown). Continuing to whisk, add 3 cups of the hot milk and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes. Stir in the dry mustard, and then gradually add the Cheddar and Muenster cheeses, stirring constantly until all of the cheese has melted into the sauce. Stir in the hot sauce and the remaining 1 cup milk. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat. Stir in the crispy bacon and season with salt and pepper.
CREAMY STOVETOP MAC AND CHEESE
Here's our family favorite simple macaroni and cheese! Yummy creamy goodness and an easy one pan dish made quick and simple on the stovetop; score! Almost identical to the recipe on the Velveeta box. We like ours sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese, at the table. Yummy add-ins are: veggies (Fordhook limas are my favorite and DH likes extra pepper and cottage cheese in his), some leftover ham, a can of tuna, or even some sliced hotdogs. Be as creative as you like! Perfect for those busy week-night dinners. Enjoy!
Provided by BecR2400
Categories Potato
Time 20m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Cook macaroni as directed on package; drain well. Return to pan.
- Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Cook on low heat until Velveeta is melted, stirring frequently.
- Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese, at the table.
- Makes 4 servings, 1 cup each.
- Some good add-ins are: frozen veggies (Fordhook limas or mixed veggies--add frozen veggies to the boiling water and cook them before adding the macaroni), leftover cubed ham, sliced hotdogs, canned tuna, or boneless/skinless canned salmon for a quick and easy one-pot comfort meal.
Tips:
- Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will have a big impact on the flavor of your mac and cheese. Use a cheese that melts well and has a sharp flavor, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan.
- Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that helps to thicken the cheese sauce. Be sure to cook the roux until it is golden brown and bubbly. This will help to give the sauce a rich and flavorful taste.
- Use milk or cream: You can use milk, cream, or a combination of both to make the cheese sauce. If you use milk, the sauce will be thinner and lighter. If you use cream, the sauce will be thicker and richer. You can also adjust the amount of milk or cream you use to achieve the desired consistency.
- Add seasonings: You can add various seasonings to your mac and cheese to taste. Some popular seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Cook the macaroni al dente: This means that the macaroni should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked macaroni will become mushy and ruin the texture of your mac and cheese.
- Stir in the cheese sauce slowly: This will help to prevent the cheese sauce from curdling. Be sure to stir until the cheese is melted and smooth.
- Top with breadcrumbs or grated cheese: This will give your mac and cheese a golden brown and crispy topping.
Conclusion:
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. With so many different recipes available, you are sure to find a mac and cheese recipe that you will love. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give one of these recipes a try. You won't be disappointed!
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