When you’re craving comfort food, nothing beats a creamy, cheesy bowl of mac and cheese. This Real Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy days or family gatherings. Packed with sharp cheddar and a touch of spice, it’s a dish that everyone will love, and you can easily customize it to suit your taste.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 360
Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fat: 19g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 600mg
Why Make Real Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe
The beauty of this Real Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe lies in its versatility and comfort. It’s an easy dish that allows you to use ingredients you have on hand, making it affordable and convenient. Additionally, with the combination of heavy cream and sharp cheddar, you’re left with a rich and satisfying meal that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
How to Make Real Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe Step by Step
Ingredients
8 ounces (2 cups) regular or whole-wheat macaroni noodles, 2 teaspoons salt, for the pasta cooking water, ⅓ cup heavy cream, 1 ⅓ packed cups (5 ounces) grated sharp cheddar cheese, ½ teaspoon mustard powder, ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder, ⅛ teaspoon onion powder, Tiny pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce
Directions
Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni noodles and 2 teaspoons of salt. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, have all your ingredients measured and ready, combining the dry spices in a small bowl. Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and set aside. Return the emptied pot to medium heat. Immediately pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, set a timer for 1 minute to cook the cream slightly. After the minute is up, add the grated sharp cheddar cheese and the prepared dry spices (mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper). Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add the drained pasta back into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat all the noodles evenly with the creamy cheese sauce. Remove the pot from heat. Taste your mac and cheese and season with additional salt if needed. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
How to Serve Real Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe
Serve your Real Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe alongside a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal. For added flavor, consider topping it with crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. You can also pair it with your favorite hot sauce for those who enjoy a bit of extra heat.
How to Store Real Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe
To store your leftover mac and cheese, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the mac and cheese for up to 2 months. Make sure to thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Expert Tips for Cooking Real Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture.
- Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother melting quality.
- Feel free to add in your favorite mix-ins like cooked chicken, veggies, or different cheeses for a twist on the classic recipe.
Delicious Variations of Real Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Spicy Mac: Add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herbed Mac: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or basil before serving for a refreshing twist.
- Veggie Mac: Incorporate sautéed vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, for added nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
We hope you give this Real Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe a try! It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its simple steps and customizable options, you have the perfect comfort food ready whenever the craving strikes. Enjoy!
Real Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Pasta and Seasoning
- 8 ounces regular or whole-wheat macaroni noodles Use whole-wheat for a healthier option.
- 2 teaspoons salt For the pasta cooking water.
Creamy Sauce
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 1 ⅓ cups grated sharp cheddar cheese Packed, about 5 ounces.
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- Tiny pinch cayenne pepper Or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni noodles and 2 teaspoons of salt.
- Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions.
Preparing the Cheese Sauce
- Meanwhile, have all your ingredients measured and ready, combining the dry spices in a small bowl.
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and set aside.
- Return the emptied pot to medium heat and pour in the heavy cream.
- Bring the cream to a boil and set a timer for 1 minute to cook it slightly.
- After 1 minute, add the grated sharp cheddar cheese and the prepared dry spices.
- Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Combining
- Add the drained pasta back into the pot with the cheese sauce.
- Stir well to coat all the noodles evenly with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Remove the pot from heat and taste your mac and cheese.
- Season with additional salt if needed and serve immediately while hot.
