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Kraft Blue Box-Inspired Stovetop Mac on a plate
Melissa Hart

Stovetop Mac and Cheese

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 tbsp fine salt for pasta water
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 tsp dry mustard
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt for sauce
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • 4 oz Monterey Jack cheese freshly grated

Method
 

  1. Boil large pot of water; add tablespoon salt. Cook macaroni according to package until just tender. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain.
  2. Meanwhile, melt butter in large saucepan over medium. Whisk flour 1 minute without browning.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk; add mustard, sauce salt, and pepper. Gently simmer 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until lightly spoon-coating.
  4. Remove from heat; stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack by handfuls until smooth. Do not boil after adding cheese.
  5. Fold in macaroni. Add reserved water 1 tablespoon at a time only as needed for flowing sauce. Serve promptly in warm bowl.