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Stovetop Mac and Cheese

A rich, creamy stovetop mac and cheese made with an egg-and-cheddar sauce — no baking required.

Time20 minutes
Serves5
EffortEasy
A bowl of creamy stovetop macaroni cheese, glossy with sauce.
Texture level

6 · Soft & Bite-Sized

Tender, moist bite-sized pieces that break apart under a fork without needing a knife. Some chewing is required, but nothing should be tough, fibrous, or dry.

Suitable for anyone who finds food hard to chew or swallow. Graded IDDSI Level 6 (Soft & Bite-Sized) — soft & bite-sized, easy to chew — the texture standard used in dysphagia care and soft diets.

See all texture levels

Ingredients

  • 3 cups Macaroni or medium shell noodles
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 can (12 oz) Evaporated milk
  • 1/4 tsp Dry mustard
  • To taste Salt and pepper
  • 4 tbsp Butter
  • 3 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded The sharper the better

Instructions

  1. Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot, stir in the noodles, and cook until almost tender — a couple of minutes past the package's al dente time for a softer bite.

  2. Meanwhile, mix together the eggs, half of the evaporated milk, dry mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

  3. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Set the pot over low heat and stir in the butter until melted.

  4. Stir in the egg mixture and half of the cheddar. Continue cooking over low heat, gradually stirring in the remaining milk and cheddar, until the mixture is hot and creamy, about 5 minutes.

  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Tips

Important Guidance

  • The sauce is a bit soupy right after making — either let it stand 10 minutes before serving, or serve it straight away in bowls with spoons; it thickens as it cools and the macaroni absorbs it.
  • Cook the pasta a couple of minutes longer than the package suggests, and cut or mash the shells once plated, so they're easier to manage.
  • For a lower texture level, blend a portion of the finished mac and cheese until smooth — the creamy egg-cheddar sauce blends easily.
  • Skip serving it very hot — the cheese sauce holds heat and can scald.

Nutrition Facts

Calories790 kcal
Protein34 g
Fat40 g
Carbohydrates72 g
Sodium737 mg
Cholesterol178 mg

Per serving; this is 1 of 5 servings.

Dietary Notes

Not gluten-free as written; a gluten-free pasta can be substituted. Vegetarian.