Description
This creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe delivers rich, cheesy comfort food in just 25 minutes. Made with a smooth homemade cheese sauce using butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheddar, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for a quick family dinner. The addition of mustard powder, onion powder, and hot sauce adds a subtle depth of flavor, making this classic dish extra delicious.
Ingredients
Macaroni
- 2 cups macaroni (uncooked, approximately 1/2 lb.)
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded, preferably freshly shredded from a block)
Instructions
- Shred Cheese: Shred the cheddar cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese to ensure a creamier melt and better flavor.
- Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the macaroni, and cook according to package instructions. Set a timer to prevent overcooking. Once done, drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour using a silicone spatula and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to make a smooth roux without browning.
- Add Dairy: Gradually add the heavy cream and milk in small splashes, stirring continuously to combine and avoid breaking the roux. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Season Sauce: Stir in mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Reduce the heat to low.
- Add Cheese and Combine: Slowly sprinkle in the shredded cheddar while stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and fully combined. Add the drained macaroni and stir well to coat the pasta with the cheese sauce. Serve immediately for best results.
Notes
- Freshly shredding your own cheese from a block improves melt and flavor compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Be careful when adding milk and cream to the roux; add slowly to prevent the sauce from becoming thin and separating.
- You can adjust the level of hot sauce to suit your taste.
- This recipe yields 4 servings, perfect for a small family meal.
