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A serving of classic mac and cheese in a bowl, showcasing its golden color and creamy texture.

Quick way to make classic mac and cheese

Enjoy a quick and easy stovetop mac and cheese that comes together in under 20 minutes, perfect for a fast and comforting meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup Elbow Macaroni uncooked
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups Milk
  • 1.5 cups Cheddar cheese shredded
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Equipment

  • Pot
  • Whisk
  • Colander

Method
 

Quick Mac and Cheese
  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
  2. Melt butter in a medium pot over medium heat, then whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for one minute.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth, bring to a simmer, and cook until thickened.
  4. Remove from heat, stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy, then season with salt and pepper.
  5. Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stir to combine, and serve immediately.

Notes

While a true "classic" mac and cheese often takes longer, this recipe offers a delicious and significantly quicker alternative. Achieving the entire process in 5 minutes is nearly impossible for homemade mac and cheese, but this recipe prioritizes speed and convenience. For even faster preparation, use instant macaroni.