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Delicious Easy Baked Mac and Cheese — Southern Stovetop Style, creamy and cheesy dish

Southern Stovetop Mac and Cheese

A quick and creamy stovetop mac and cheese that delivers rich Southern flavor and comfort food vibes without the fuss.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Dairy
  • 2 cups Elbow macaroni Can substitute with shells
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 1 cup Evaporated milk A key Southern ingredient for creaminess
  • 1 cup Whole milk Or whatever milk you have on hand
  • 2 cups Shredded cheese A blend of cheeses is recommended
  • 4 ounces Cream cheese Optional, for extra creaminess
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Paprika Or a pinch of cayenne for heat, optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Step 1: Boil the pasta. Salt your water and cook the noodles until they are just done, not mushy. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, lower the heat to medium low. Melt butter, then pour in evaporated milk and a splash of regular milk. Stir and let it warm up without boiling.
  3. Step 3: Slowly sprinkle in handfuls of shredded cheese, stirring between each addition until fully melted.
  4. Step 4: Season your cheese sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Taste and adjust as necessary.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained pasta back into the pot and stir until every noodle is coated. Adjust consistency with additional milk if too thick.

Notes

Best to use a mix of cheeses for the best texture and flavor. Keep heat low to ensure a smooth sauce. Can be customized with additional proteins or veggies as desired.