3-Ingredient Stovetop Mac and Cheese

A creamy, homemade macaroni and cheese with fewer ingredients than the boxed version, ready in no time.

3-Ingredient Stovetop Mac and Cheese

  • Servings: 2 servings

This 3-Ingredient Stovetop Mac and Cheese is a quick and easy recipe that brings the comfort of homemade food to your table in just 15 minutes. Created by J. Kenji López-Alt, this recipe proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces elbow macaroni
  • Salt
  • 6 ounces evaporated milk
  • 6 ounces grated mild or medium cheddar cheese, or any good melting cheese, such as Fontina, Gruyère, or Jack

Directions

  • Place macaroni in a medium saucepan or skillet and add just enough cold water to cover. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently.
  • Continue to cook, stirring, until water has been almost completely absorbed and macaroni is just shy of al dente, about 6 minutes.
  • Immediately add evaporated milk and bring to a boil. Add cheese.
  • Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring continuously, until cheese is melted and liquid has reduced to a creamy sauce, about 2 minutes longer. Season to taste with more salt and serve immediately.

  • If you are willing to kick the total ingredients up to more than three, try a good dash of hot sauce, some mustard powder, or a little knob of butter stirred in with the evaporated milk.
  • Special Equipment: Medium saucepan or skillet.