Stovetop Mac and Cheese

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This stovetop creamy mac and cheese is made with elbow macaroni, cheese, half and half, and spices. It's a fail-proof recipe that's super easy to make but still tastes incredible!

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Total Time25

Course: Entree

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Julie Maestre

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni (8 ounces)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups half and half do not use milk or heavy cream
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon mustard powder optional
½ teaspoon Kosher salt or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Gouda or gruyere works perfectly too!

Instructions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the elbow noodles, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a dutch oven or large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is slightly browned.
Gradually whisk in the half and half, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt and black pepper to the sauce. Stir well to combine.
Turn off the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

To avoid burning the roux, cook the butter and flour over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes. Cooking it for 2 minutes or until the roux turns slightly brown will get rid of that raw flour taste.
For best results, use high-quality cheese and grate it yourself. Avoid the prepackaged shredded cheese.
For added texture and flavor, consider adding cooked bacon, ham, or steamed
vegetables like broccoli or peas.
If you prefer a bit of heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
For a crunchy topping, sprinkle panko bread crumbs on top and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown before serving.

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