Best 4 Stovetop Mac And Cheese Recipes
**Mac and cheese**, a classic dish loved by people of all ages, is a comforting and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. Originating in the United States, it has become a staple in many countries around the world. This delectable dish is typically made with macaroni pasta, cheese, milk, butter, and seasonings. The combination of creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is simply irresistible.
In this article, we present a collection of stovetop mac and cheese recipes that cater to various tastes and preferences. From the classic recipe that embodies the essence of this dish to variations that incorporate unique ingredients and cooking techniques, there's a recipe here for every mac and cheese enthusiast. Whether you prefer a simple and straightforward preparation or a more elaborate and gourmet version, these recipes offer a delightful culinary journey that will leave you craving for more.
THE BEST STOVETOP MAC AND CHEESE
Our super creamy, quick and easy stovetop mac and cheese is better than the boxed stuff, but just as satisfying. The combo of mild American and sharp Cheddar with cream cheese creates a perfectly balanced sauce that will please even the pickiest of palates.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 35m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain.
- Melt the butter in the same pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, mustard powder and paprika; cook, whisking constantly, until smooth and slightly darker, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue to cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and comes to a simmer, 7 to 8 minutes. Whisk in the cheddar, American cheese and cream cheese until melted and remove from heat.
- Add the pasta to the sauce; toss, adding some reserved cooking water as needed to loosen. Season with salt.
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.
STOVETOP MAC AND CHEESE
This sauce appears thin at first but will thicken after it's tossed with the pasta. To reheat, add a little whole milk to restore the creamy consistency.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Pasta and Grains
Time 55m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium; add onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring frequently, until mixture is pale golden, has a slightly nutty aroma, and is the texture of cooked oatmeal, about 5 minutes.
- Whisking constantly, pour in 2 cups milk; add 2 more cups milk and cayenne and whisk until smooth. Cook mixture, stirring constantly along bottom of pan, until boiling, 6 to 7 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and does not feel grainy when a small amount is rubbed between two fingers, about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente; drain thoroughly and return to pot. Remove sauce from heat and let cool 10 minutes. Quickly whisk in cheese, mustard, and Worcestershire. Pour cheese sauce over pasta and stir to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 607 g, Fat 30 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 28 g
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 high-quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will greatly impact the flavor of your mac and cheese. Choose a sharp cheddar cheese for a bold flavor, or a milder cheese like mozzarella or fontina for a more subtle taste.
- Cook the macaroni al dente: Macaroni should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy when it is combined with the cheese sauce.
- Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the cheese sauce. Be sure to cook the roux until it is a light golden brown color. This will help to prevent the cheese sauce from becoming lumpy.
- Use milk or cream: You can use milk, cream, or a combination of both to make the cheese sauce. Whole milk will produce a richer sauce, while skim milk will produce a lighter sauce.
- Season the cheese sauce: Be sure to season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. You can also add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little extra kick.
- Don't add any additional salt until you've tried the finished sauce. Salt is added in steps to avoid over-salting. Taste your sauce and add more salt only if needed.
- Garnish the macaroni and cheese: Before serving, garnish the macaroni and cheese with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or bread crumbs. This will add a pop of flavor and color.
Conclusion:
Stovetop mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With a few simple tips, you can make the perfect mac and cheese that is creamy, cheesy, and delicious. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give stovetop mac and cheese a try.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love
