Stovetop Mac and Cheese
This is hands down the best stovetop mac and cheese! This is my go-to and my families favorite! It's has amazing flavor with a silky, ultra creamy cheese sauce. Made with simple ingredients like, cheese, butter, paprika, Worcestershire, mustard and a just a bit of onion powder. It's perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The best mac and cheese!
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups Barilla macaroni or elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 tsp salt or more if needed
- 1 1/4 cup triple cheddar shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp pepper or more if needed
- 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce add more or less
- 1/4 tsp spicy mustard
- 1-2 pinch crushed red peppers up to two small pinches
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- In a large pot of salted boiling water cook the macaroni to al dente then drain and set to the side.
- Melt butter in the same large pot. Over medium high, stir in flour and cook for about 5-8 minutes stirring constantly. Slowly pour milk into the flour and butter mixture and stir constantly until thickened and smooth with lots of big bubbles for about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the cheese and water then stir in the seasonings. Mix well for about 2-4 minutes. Add in the macaroni. Stir to combine. Adjust seasonings if needed.