Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Close up view of Mac and cheese in a large pot with a wooden spoon.

4.86 from 175 votes

This Mac and Cheese is easy to make on the stovetop and it's ready in just 15 minutes. Skip the box and make the good stuff!

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Mac and Cheese

Servings: servings

Author: Rachel Farnsworth

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni
1/2 cup salted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
3 cups milk whole, 2%, or 1%
8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Fill a large saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Add in 1 pound elbow macaroni and cook to al dente, according to the package directions. Drain well. Drain well.
Meanwhile, in another large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup salted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is completely melted, whisk in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon white pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
Slowly pour in 3 cups milk and whisk until smooth. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken. Turn off the heat and whisk in 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted.
Pour cooked, drained pasta into the cheese sauce and stir well to combine. Serve hot.

Video

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Notes

One of the best ways to enhance the flavor of cheese in cheese sauces is to add in hot sauce. It doesn't make it spicy, it just adds more flavor. For this recipe, add in 4 dashes of Tabasco sauce, or 2 tablespoons of Frank's Red Hot sauce with the milk.

Nutrition