Description
A creamy and comforting homemade mac and cheese recipe made from scratch using a smooth roux-based cheese sauce, tender elbow macaroni, and a blend of mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. This stovetop mac and cheese is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or cozy meal, with optional hot sauce for an added kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2–1/2 cups chicken broth
Pasta
- 2–1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1–1/2 cups freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Optional
- Hot sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Whisk Flour: In a large, nonstick pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until it forms a smooth paste, cooking for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Seasonings and Milk: Whisk in the garlic powder, ground mustard, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper constantly to combine evenly. Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Incorporate Broth and Boil: Slowly add the chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Once boiling, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to medium-low, allowing a gentle simmer with small bubbles visible on top when not stirring. Stir often, scraping the bottom of the pot, for 8 to 11 minutes until the pasta is just cooked through but still firm to the bite and the sauce begins to thicken. The sauce may still look thin at this point but will thicken further when cheese is added.
- Add Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Gradually sprinkle in the mozzarella, sharp Cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses one at a time, stirring gently after each addition until fully melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Serve the mac and cheese hot, optionally adding a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, cook the macaroni a bit longer or reduce the broth slightly.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances flavor and melts better compared to pre-grated varieties.
- The pasta should be slightly firm (al dente) after cooking in the sauce to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Hot sauce adds a nice spicy contrast but is entirely optional depending on your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, homemade pasta dish
