And what's not to love when it's made from real cheese, right on the stove top in fifteen minutes? We have this at least once a month in our house.
Tips for a smooth cheese sauce
Shred cheese off the block for a smooth cheese, never use pre shredded. It just won't melt as smoothly since there are anti caking ingredients, among other things. Use one part semi sharp to sharp cheddar, with one part mild cheddar cheese. Couple that combination with just a bit of either American or cream cheese. The American cheese or cream cheese act as an anchor to blend the rest of the cheese into a smooth state.
In addition to melting the cheeses correctly, you can reserve a half to one cup of the pasta water after you've boiled your pasta.
You might not need the pasta water, but if you notice the cheese sauce isn't clinging to the noodles, a splash of this will make the cheese sauce loosen up and stick to the pasta.
Follow the directions in the recipe card below for perfect, stove top macaroni and cheese and you will never buy boxed brand again!
Comment below with any questions, or submit a recipe rating using the recipe card stars if you tried this technique!
Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Sauce
Delicious creamy, smooth and cheesy homemade macaroni and cheese on the stove top.
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Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 259kcal
Cost: $4
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dry elbow shells, or cellentani pasta
- 3 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup milk
- 8 oz cheddar cheese or white cheddar shredded off block
- 2 oz American cheese or cream cheese
- ½ cup starchy pasta water reserved, optional
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salted. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Right before draining, ladle out ½ cup of that starchy water for later. Drain, pasta in a colander, and leave set aside for now.
- In the same pan, on low heat, add the butter, American cheese or cream cheese, milk and shredded cheddar. Stir until melted and smooth. Keep heat on lowest setting to melt the cheese.
- Turn off the heat. Toss until silky and coated, and salt (if necessary) and pepper to taste and serve right away.
- Only if necessary and sauce seems too thick, ladle in a bit of the pasta water and stir to loosen up.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 381mg | Potassium: 128mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 385IU | Calcium: 308mg | Iron: 1mg
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