Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Sharp cheddar and melting fontina make a light, glossy stovetop sauce that stays creamy, with smoked paprika, Dijon, and buttery panko for contrast.

30 min

4 side-dish servings

Glossy stovetop mac and cheese in a ceramic bowl is topped with golden buttery breadcrumbs.

Ingredients

12 oz elbow macaroni

2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup evaporated milk

6 oz sharp cheddar, freshly shredded

4 oz fontina, freshly shredded

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Kosher salt

Equipment

Large pot · Large skillet · Whisk · Colander · Box grater or food processor · Warm serving bowl

Shred your own cheese

Freshly shredded cheddar and fontina melt more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking starches.

Keep it loose

If the mac thickens while serving, stir in a splash of hot pasta water off heat to restore its creamy flow.

Pasta and crumbs

01. Boil the macaroni until just shy of al dente and reserve 1 cup of its starchy water before draining; it finishes in the sauce without turning soft.

02. Toast panko in 1 tbsp butter over medium heat until golden and fragrant, then move it to a plate so it stays crisp.

Build a gentle sauce

03. Cook flour in the remaining butter for only 1 minute; keep the roux pale so its flavor stays clean and dairy-forward.

04. Whisk in both milks, Dijon, paprika, and salt, then simmer only until the sauce coats a spoon; a full boil can make the later cheese addition unstable.

Melt and loosen

05. Take the skillet off heat and melt the shredded cheeses in small additions, whisking smooth between each one; gentle residual heat prevents graininess and oil separation.

06. Fold in the pasta and use reserved pasta water until the sauce looks a little looser than you want to eat; the macaroni will absorb some as it rests.

Finish at the table

07. Rest the macaroni off heat for 2 minutes, then taste for salt while the sauce settles without tightening too much.

08. Transfer to a warm bowl, add the toasted crumbs just before serving, and bring it to the table while glossy.