Stove Top Macaroni And Cheese
Creamy and comforting stove top macaroni and cheese with rich cheese, buttery flavor, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain.
- Leave the cooked macaroni in the pot and mix in the margarine, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add the eggs and milk to the pot, stirring until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the cheese until fully melted and combined.
- Let the mixture simmer until the cheese is melted and the sauce is heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use a combination of sharp cheddar and cream cheese. If you're short on time, consider using pre-shredded cheese, but fresh cheese yields a better melt. Substitute margarine with butter for a richer flavor. If you want to add vegetables, steamed broccoli or peas mix well into the dish. For a kick, include a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Pepper Cheese Grits (Even Those Who Don'T Like Grits, Like This!) for a hearty Southern-inspired dinner. For extra indulgence, top it with crispy bacon bits or breadcrumbs before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the mac and cheese in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Stir frequently until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stove Top Macaroni And Cheese contains roughly 416 calories, with 8g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is a good source of calcium (19% of the Daily Value) and protein (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1057mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. Mozzarella, Gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack can add unique flavors to your mac and cheese. Just remember that the melting quality might vary, so stick to cheeses known for good melting properties.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this mac and cheese is great for meal prep! You can make a larger batch and portion it into containers. Just keep in mind that the texture may change when reheating, so adding a little milk helps maintain creaminess. It’s perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is easily made vegetarian by using vegetarian cheese options and ensuring that your margarine is plant-based. You can also add in vegetables such as spinach or roasted red peppers for added flavor and nutrition, making it a delightful addition to any vegetarian recipes collection.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).