Description
This classic homemade stovetop macaroni and cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy comfort food perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Tender al dente macaroni is enveloped in a rich cheddar and fontina cheese sauce made from scratch using a roux base. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish satisfies with its velvety texture and bold cheese flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter (50 grams)
- 1/4 cup flour (32 grams)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Dash black pepper
- 2 cups milk, whole or 2% (480 grams)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp) (125 grams)
- 1 cup shredded fontina or gruyere cheese (125 grams)
Pasta
- 5–6 cups cooked macaroni (2 1/2 – 3 cups dried macaroni)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes depending on the pasta brand. Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a large saucepan over low to medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly until the mixture is smooth and forms a paste, about 2 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Add salt and pepper to the roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and stir frequently until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and fontina (or gruyere) cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all the pasta is evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve the macaroni and cheese immediately while hot. Optionally, garnish with additional shredded cheese on top. Enjoy your creamy, homemade stovetop mac and cheese!
Notes
- Use medium or sharp cheddar for a balanced flavor; gruyere adds a nutty richness if substituting fontina.
- Cooking the pasta al dente prevents it from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce.
- For a smoother sauce, gradually add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
- You can add a pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder to enhance the cheese flavor.
- For extra creaminess, substitute some milk with half-and-half or cream.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: macaroni and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, cheesy pasta recipe, comfort food
