How to Make Simple Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Tired of boxed mac and cheese? Julia shows Bridget how to make Simple Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese.

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[JacqueBernadette]

Thank you! Cannot wait to try this recipe tomorrow!

Here's the recipe for everyone.

MAC 'N CHEESE (ATK)

MAC 'N CHEESE:
1 1/2 c. water
1 c. whole milk
8 oz. Barilla elbow macaroni, weighed

1/8 t. Cayenne Pepper
1/2 t. Dijon Mustard
1 c. Deli American Cheese

1 c. Extra Sharp Cheddar

BREAD CRUMBS:
1/3 c. Panko Crumbs
1 T. olive oil
Salt & Pepper (little)

2 T. Parmesan Cheese

DIRECTIONS:
Bring water and milk to boil on high.

Add macaroni and lower heat to med-low and simmer uncovered. Cook just past al dente, 6-8 min.

Add while still on heat: cayenne pepper, mustard, and American cheese. Mix together for a minute.

Take off heat and gently mix in Extra Sharp Cheddar cheese for 10 sec.
Put on lid to slowly melt cheese.

Make bread crumbs:
Toast crumbs, olive oil, and salt & pepper in skillet. Stir and watch carefully 3-4 minutes.

Once bread crumbs are done, place in bowl and add 2 T. of Parmesan cheese.

Take off pan lid and taste to see if you need to add more salt or pepper. Stir mac 'n cheese and enjoy. Serve with bread crumbs.

[New_Wrench]

4oz extra sharp cheddar
4oz deli white american
8oz Barilla elbow noodles (or what you got)
Some Dijon mustard
A pinch of cayene
1.5 cup of water
1 cup milk

[dannivaaj]

The best and easy Mac n' Cheese ever! Cooking directions are straightforward. Thank you! 😊

[figanddan]

I'm hooked. I made this, and it is amazing. The bread crumbs are so easy and a must on top. Thank you, America's test kitchen. 😊

[ann-mariejensen]

I made a batch of this exactly as instructed, tasted it, and quickly made a second batch. Fabulous and easy! Thank you!

[v.r.]

Hi there! Big long time fan of America's Test Kitchen. I used to look forward to it on the weekends on PBS. I was thrilled to see all this content on YouTube. I've been "eating up" lots of your vids during quarantine. The Mac and Cheese one really stuck out for it's simplicity. Just made it. I tweaked the recipe just a little. I added a couple pinches of salt for the pasta. I added a dusting of nutmeg to the water and milk as well to give it a hint of that traditional "bechamel" flavor. I switched out the elbow macaroni for small shells. ( Talk about hanging onto sauce!) I also added a little Gruyere cheese with the cheddar. It's phenomenal! Thanks so much for all your great content!

[EdyesWWKitchen]

Hands down, the BEST Mac and Cheese I have ever had.

[EssentiaProductions]

Did this just now. Forgot to season the breadcrumbs and did let it get burn a little too easily. Also had to use mozzarella since that's all I had on hand. Yet still worked out pretty well cannot complain

[Forevertrue]

Thank you, this will save millions of man hours for Moms. And Dads and kids who like it.

[mattborba]

I thought it needed quite a bit more salt. Also, I recommend a bit of Truff hot sauce. Other than that so damn good for how easy it is to make. bravo ATK!!!

[csmtcqueen]

YES. Framing this one. Can't wait to try this recipe.

[wrightd]

I might try this recipe, swapping out the american for Smoked Gouda and a couple teaspoons of sodium citrate.

[sharonlatour]

Yum, that's how I make my Mac and cheese!, will addd the mustard next time!

[dwaynewladyka]

I like sour cream and mustard in my mac and cheese, for the sauce.

[sparkle.s]

Don't have a scale
Any way I can use a measuring cup for the noodles?
Amount please?
Thank you!

[inakevins]

Please tell me what is American deli cheese? Is there a Canadian equivalent?

[petervega]

How much cheese by weight did she add

[manfocused]

I tried this tonight, and it was one big, 'o nasty, grainy mess. Won't be making this again. Going back to boiling my noodles in one pot and making the cheese sauce in another.

[nfc]

I wonder what those guys in the background are doing

[joshschulte]

Could I use Gruyère cheese instead of the American cheese?