Stove Top Cheddar Mac Recipe

Creamy, dreamy, cheesy Stove Top Cheddar Mac & Cheese! This quick and easy recipe, inspired by Rachael Ray, delivers restaurant-quality mac and cheese in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend treat. Get ready for cheesy goodness!

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Calories 646.1 kcal
Protein 50g
Rating Be the first
Stove Top Cheddar Mac 165

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Stove Top Cheddar Mac

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How to Make Stove Top Cheddar Mac

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well in a colander and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  3. Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of warmed half-and-half, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
  6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to combine.
  7. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

19 g

Sugar

7g

Fat

122g

Carbs

16g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Stove Top Cheddar Mac?

Stove Top Cheddar Mac takes about 35 minutes from start to finish — roughly 5 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Stove Top Cheddar Mac?

Stove Top Cheddar Mac has approximately 646.1 calories per serving, with about 50 g protein, 16 g carbohydrates and 60 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Stove Top Cheddar Mac?

The key ingredients for Stove Top Cheddar Mac are Elbow Macaroni, Butter, Flour, Half And Half, Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Salt. See the full list with measurements above.

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