World's Best Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese Recipe: How To Make Homemade Cheese Sauce (Without Flour)

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheddar lowers calories while processed cheese melts easily.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water

Almond milk reduces calories while water is a cost-effective option.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier while margarine is a budget-friendly alternative.

flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cornstarch

Whole wheat flour adds nutrients while cornstarch thickens without gluten.

Fill a large pot with cool water and place it over high heat.

Once the water comes to a boil, add the elbow macaroni and stir.

Boil the macaroni for about 10 minutes until fully cooked, then drain the water and set the macaroni aside.

Grate a block of sharp cheddar cheese until finely shredded.

In the same pot, place it over medium heat and add butter to melt.

Add the grated cheese to the melted butter.

Pour in whole milk and add the seasonings, stirring to combine.

Let the cheese sauce melt and thicken for about 5 minutes until it reaches a gooey consistency.

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.

Continue cooking for an additional minute to heat through.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens