This is my OG mac and cheese recipe. If you make no other recipe from my site, make it the Simple Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe. It will convert even the most discerning of mac and cheese fans to making their own mac and cheese. A blue box isn’t necessary to get your mac and cheese fix.
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Extra sharp cheddar serves as the opener. I stock the generic Kroger brand in my refrigerator, but Tillamook makes a fabulous version if you can’t find anything but mild. Make sure and buy a solid block of cheese to shred later. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti clumping agents that keep your cheese from melting together. This is awesome for grocery stores who need to keep the cheese pretty on the shelf before selling it. It’s nice for sprinkling on your baked potato, but it won’t melt into a smooth sauce the way fresh grated cheese will.
Parmesan is the closer in this recipe. It rounds out the bowl beautifully and extends the cheesy flavor from the cheddar through the end of the bite. Like cheddar, I always keep parmesan in my fridge for a mac and cheese emergency. It works well in other recipes I make and is always ready to serve as a closer no matter which opener cheeses I bring home.
The Simple Stovetop Mac and Cheese recipe is perfect for mornay sauce beginners and will help you buy all of the ingredients needed to explore the depths of mac and cheese through any cheese in the store.