Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese
Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese! Something new from my kitchen. We all love macaroni and cheese, what is there not to love right? But most of all I will never prepare the boxed kind, and that is to my son's chagrin. On my quest to find the simplest and most decadent recipe, pretty much all my cookbooks came off the shelves. You should have seen the mess! The below recipe is my adaptation. Simple, deliciously sinful and gooey… with lots of cheese and bacon… my kind of dish. The best part of this wonderful dish: 25 minutes and you have a great dish that your children, and adults, will devour. Who doesn’t like that? From me to you, start preparing the sauce at the same time you start the macaroni pasta, you want them piping hot to help the last bits of cheese to melt.
Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese! Something new from my kitchen. We all love macaroni and cheese, what is there not to love right? But most of all I will never prepare the boxed kind, and that is to my son's chagrin. On my quest to find the simplest and most decadent recipe, pretty much all my cookbooks came off the shelves. You should have seen the mess! The below recipe is my adaptation. Simple, deliciously sinful and gooey… with lots of cheese and bacon… my kind of dish. The best part of this wonderful dish: 25 minutes and you have a great dish that your children, and adults, will devour. Who doesn’t like that? From me to you, start preparing the sauce at the same time you start the macaroni pasta, you want them piping hot to help the last bits of cheese to melt.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
- 8 slices of center cut bacon cut into 1/4 inch thick pieces
- 2 tablespoons unbleached all purpose flour
- 2 cups warm whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon ground dry mustard
- 1 1/2 cup shredded american cheese
- 8 cups hot cooked elbow macaroni (about 3 cups uncooked)
- Carbohydrate 3.38622462511524 g
- Cholesterol 48.1389318352884 mg
- Fat 15.2654440275563 g
- Fiber 0.11817291805231 g
- Protein 11.8118519599199 g
- Saturated Fat 9.6775313239945 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (50g)
- Sodium 296.025626021028 mg
- Sugar 3.26805170706293 g
- Trans Fat 0.800537803300095 g
- Calories 198 calories
Step-by-step
- In a 10-inch cast iron skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, and set aside. Reserve bacon fat in pan.
- Cook pasta per manufacturer directions.
- Whisk flour into the rendered fat. Cook whisking constantly, 2 minutes.
- Whisk in the milk, salt, mustard, hot sauce and Worcestershire. Bring to a simmer whisking constantly until thickened, almost 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Add both cheeses and stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in bacon, chives and cooked macaroni.
My Favorite Stove Top Mac and Cheese: A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Meal
As a busy mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick and easy meals that the whole family will love. Macaroni and cheese is a classic for a reason – it's comforting, cheesy, and satisfying. But let's be honest, the boxed stuff just doesn't cut it. It lacks that homemade goodness, that creamy, decadent texture that only comes from making it from scratch. This recipe is my go-to, a lifesaver on those nights when time is short but everyone's craving something delicious.
This stovetop mac and cheese recipe takes just 25 minutes to make, from start to finish. It's unbelievably simple, yet the result is a dish that's rich, flavorful, and undeniably addictive. The secret? The perfect balance of sharp cheddar and creamy American cheese, all cooked in a skillet with crispy bacon for that extra touch of savory goodness. I’ve perfected this recipe over the years, tweaking it just enough to create the ultimate creamy, cheesy, bacon-infused delight that has even my picky eaters coming back for more.
Beyond the Basics: While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to experiment! Add some roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower for a healthier twist. Spice things up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Consider using different types of cheese to create your own signature blend. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions: This mac and cheese is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with other dishes. Try it as a side to grilled chicken or steak, or serve it with a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal. For a truly indulgent experience, top it with extra bacon crumbles, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. It's also perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests.
Why This Recipe Works: I've developed this recipe to cater to a busy lifestyle, while still delivering on flavor and texture. I find that cooking the bacon in the same skillet adds a delightful depth of flavor to the cheese sauce. The combination of sharp cheddar and American cheese provides the perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess. The use of warm milk in the cheese sauce results in an extra-smooth and luxurious texture. And let's be honest, a little bit of bacon makes everything better!
Tips and Tricks for Mac and Cheese Perfection:
- Use high-quality cheese: The better the cheese, the better the mac and cheese. Look for sharp cheddar and American cheese that are known for their creamy texture and bold flavor.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the cheese sauce.
- Stir constantly: When making the cheese sauce, stirring constantly prevents lumps from forming and ensures a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Let it rest: Once the mac and cheese is ready, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Get creative with toppings: Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings! Some of my favorites include breadcrumbs, caramelized onions, roasted vegetables, or a sprinkle of your favorite herbs.
This recipe isn't just a meal; it's a memory maker. I can already see the happy faces gathered around the table, savoring every bite of this creamy, cheesy, bacon-filled masterpiece. It's a dish that brings people together, sparking conversations and creating lasting memories. So, go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this simple yet unforgettable mac and cheese. You won't regret it!
Embrace the simplicity, savor the flavor, and enjoy the deliciousness!
