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Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 540
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed slightly
  • 1 tsp mustard powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt, plus more for pasta water
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 6 oz sharp cheddar, freshly grated
  • 4 oz American cheese, torn into pieces

Method
 

  1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute until golden and nutty.
  3. Slowly whisk in warm milk. Bring to a low simmer and cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until sauce thickens.
  4. Remove from heat. Whisk in mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add cheeses in handfuls, stirring until smooth.
  5. Fold in drained pasta. Thin with reserved pasta water if needed, then serve immediately.

Notes

The reserved pasta water is your secret for adjusting the consistency. The sauce will thicken as it sits, so add a generous splash when you first combine everything. If you plan on leftovers, undercook the pasta by a full minute so it stays tender after reheating.