In this time the pasta will absorb some of the extra cheese sauce. If the pasta will not fit, add both the pasta and sauce to a separate large bowl and stir well.įor a stovetop mac and cheese, cover with a lid and set aside for 5 minutes. If the drained and rinsed pasta will fit into the pan, add it to the cheese sauce. Stir until the heat from the sauce melts the cheese. Continue to cook, constantly whisking until the sauce bubbles and thickens. While whisking, slowly pour the warm milk into butter and flour mixture. The Best, Creamiest Mac ‘n Cheese with Gruyere, Cheddar, and Bacon Cook, constantly whisking until the butter smells fragrant and nutty - the color of the butter-flour mixture will be light brown 2 to 3 minutes. When the butter begins to bubble, add the flour. While the milk warms up, melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Alternatively, you can add milk to a large saucepan over medium heat then heat milk until warm. Add milk to a large microwave-safe measuring jug and microwave 1 to 3 minutes until warm. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil, add the pasta then follow package directions, but cook 2 minute less than the recommended cook time.ĭrain then rinse pasta with cold water and set aside. For stove-top mac and cheese, move on to the next step. For baked macaroni and cheese, heat the oven to degrees Fahrenheit and butter a 3-quart casserole dish or spray with non-stick cooking spray.

How to make roux for mac and cheese