Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Why Make This Recipe

Let’s be real for a second: who doesn’t love mac and cheese? Picture this: creamy, cheesy goodness that hugs every elbow macaroni piece like a warm embrace after a long day. It’s comforting, delicious, and pretty much a life-saver when you need a quick meal. Whether you’re having a solo Netflix binge or hosting a casual dinner with friends, Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese is your go-to. Plus, it takes just about 15 minutes to whip up. What’s not to love? 😍

How to Make Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Ready to dive into the creamy universe of stovetop mac and cheese? Here’s the deal: making it is as easy as 1-2-3, seriously! No complicated steps, just a quick and satisfying process that’ll leave you licking the pot. Just a heads up, you’ll want to stick close to the stove; this cheese loves to melt, and let’s be honest, we don’t want to miss a drop.

Ingredients

To get this deliciousness started, here’s what you need:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional, but it adds some zing!)

Directions

Alright, let’s make this magic happen. Follow these easy-peasy steps:

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. 😋
3. Stir in the milk, salt, pepper, and mustard powder (if you’re in the mood for adventure).
4. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until it’s all melted and smooth. Pure cheese bliss, my friends!
5. Toss in the cooked macaroni and mix well until every piece is coated in cheesy goodness.
6. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy miracle you just created!

How to Serve Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Serving this dish is where you get to unleash your creativity. You can keep it classic with a sprinkle of black pepper or get fancy with some crispy breadcrumbs on top. Feeling bold? Throw in some crispy bacon or a dash of hot sauce for those who live life on the edge. 🥓🔥 Serve it up with a side salad or some veggies to feel a smidge healthier, though let’s be honest, cheese is what we’re really here for!

How to Store Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

If you find yourself with leftovers (highly doubtful, but just in case!), storing them is super simple. Let the mac cool down, then pop it into an airtight container. It will stay good in the fridge for about 3-5 days. When you’re ready to dig in again, just reheat it on the stove with a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture. Easy peasy! 🥳

Tips to Make Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

• Mix up the cheese: While cheddar is fantastic, try mixing it up with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even gouda for a unique twist.
• Add more flavor: Consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, or some sautéed veggies for extra richness.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: You want it al dente so it holds up when you mix it into that luscious cheese sauce.

Variation

Feeling adventurous? You can turn this basic mac and cheese into a delicious baked version. Just mix in some cooked meat, veggies, and top with breadcrumbs, then pop it in the oven for a few minutes until golden brown. It’s like mac and cheese on steroids. 😏

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Just swap out the elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free variety. It’ll be just as tasty!

2. How can I make it creamier?
If you want to ramp up the creaminess, try adding a bit more milk or some cream cheese. Yes, please!

3. Can I freeze this?
You can freeze it, but the texture might change once it’s thawed. If you do, aim to eat it within a month. Reheat with some milk to freshen it up!

Now, go ahead and make yourself a bowl of Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese. You deserve it! 🍽️