Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Simple, creamy, and gooey mac and cheese that will satisfy your cravings!

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces macaroni elbows
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni elbows according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
4. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese to the milk mixture. Stir until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed.
7. Add the cooked macaroni elbows to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is well coated.
8. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together and the pasta to become extra gooey and delicious.
9. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Flavor Profile Explanation: This creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe relies on the classic combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to create a lusciously creamy texture and rich flavor. By omitting the mustard, the recipe becomes simpler and more suited to picky eaters. The resulting mac and cheese is gooey, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting. It's the perfect dish to please any cheese lover!

I hope this simpler version of mac and cheese meets your preferences! Let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with. Enjoy your cooking and the cheesy goodness!