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Stove Top Mac-n-Cheese
Recipe courtesy Alton Brown Show: Good Eats Episode: For Whom the Cheese Melts 2 Overall User Rating: 
See this recipe on air Wednesday Jul. 09 at 11:00 PM ET/PT. |
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Real food
07/08/2008 at 07:22pm
User: ann from springfield, MO User Rating:
I love this recipe for my kids. They are huge mac n cheese fans, and this is super delish. I love that I know what is actually in the cheese sauce. We do hot sauce and pepper individually, but we all love this dish. And it takes no less time than a box, and no more effort, for that matter.
Great Simple Mac'n'Cheese
07/05/2008 at 01:31pm
User: Eric from Long Beach, CA User Rating:
Pretty fool proof simple recipe: anyone coming up with something grainy must've overheated it and either scrambled the eggs or just broke the sauce. Since there are no 6 oz cans of Evaporated milk in our area, I am going to try using a 5 oz can and cutting the cheese to 8oz from the 10 in the recipe. This is plenty rich and cheesy, and I think the slight reduction will mostly mean less in the bottom of the pan. Really good recipe as written, and the family loved it.
very cheesy
07/03/2008 at 05:24pm
User: Elise from falconer, NY User Rating:
This was another one of Alton's great dishes. This mac and cheese was easy and very cheesy.....it was really creamy and way better than the boxed macaroni and cheese at the store. The hot sauce made it tangy but not overwhelming. I would make this again any day!
Loved it
07/01/2008 at 04:47pm
User: Stephanie from Poway, CA User Rating:
I'm still a beginniner cook, but I've tried macaroni and cheese recipes before and always had grainy results. When I made this I didn't have quite enough cheddar on hand so I substituted about fourth of the cheddar for Monterey Jack cheese. This made it so creamy and not at all grainy.
Easy but Not Creamy
06/28/2008 at 09:40pm
User: Nina from Oakton, VA User Rating:
I followed the recipe, and it was VERY fast & easy. I liked the fact that there were so few ingredients. It turned out quite well, but it wasn't a creamy mac n cheese. If I needed a fast stove-top mac n cheese, I'd make it again. It's not company-good, but it's just fine as a side dish for a family dinner.
pretty, pretty good
06/28/2008 at 06:41pm
User: Joe from Lake worth, FL User Rating:
First of all, its funny how some folks give the recipe a poor rating only to find out they changed or omitted ingredients along the way. Just whose recipe are you rating? Yours? Anyway, I used this recipe given and I must say it was very good. It came out quite cheesy and creamy. don't let the hot sauce or the mustard fool you--you don't really taste those items in a sense. I find it gives just enough flavor so the dish isn't boring which many a mac and cheese recipe are. Good Job Alton!!And people--follow the recipe before you rate it.
Good Eats Indeed !
06/28/2008 at 01:07pm
User: null from null, null User Rating:
This version of the classic mac n cheese was called the best ever by my 11 year old son who is just getting into cooking. He has had mac n cheese from the box to disney world. He has had it on cruise ships and almost every place we have ever dined. His mother and I both agree this is the best we have had and the best thing is he did most of the work. This recipe is a win win for sure!
Whoa, too cheesy
06/04/2008 at 07:27pm
User: Amy from Douglas, AK User Rating:
I thought this recipe tasted WAAAY too much of cheddar cheese, and I love cheese. I swapped 2 tablespoons of sour cream for butter and used fat-free evaporated milk; seeing the wonderful reviews, maybe that didn't help tone down the flavor enough. Maybe I'll try again as written, since I've still got 3/4 of a pound of cheddar in the fridge.
Yucko!
05/18/2008 at 12:37pm
User: Aimee from Houma, LA User Rating:
I love a good macaroni and cheese so I was quite excited to try this recipe out after all the rave reviews. However, this recipe came out extremely bland. I couldn't even really taste any cheese. I don't think sharp cheddar is a good choice, and the only taste I could really detect was hints of mustard. I added a bunch of seasoning, and it still didn't taste up to my standards. It did have a nice creamy texture, but then I stuck it in the warming drawer for about 10 minutes and it came out so thick and cheesy...it was hard to swallow down. I won't be making this again. The search goes on for a good mac-and-cheese recipe!
Kid friendly
05/04/2008 at 03:04pm
User: Dante from Fairfax, VA User Rating:
Our family's favorite Mac-n-cheese. It's super easy and the kids love to help.
Easy and Rich
05/03/2008 at 09:37pm
User: SEAN from Chico, CA User Rating:
My 6 & 8 year olds think it is a little rich, so I use a little less cheese. They, and I, think it is great.
Quick and Tasty
05/02/2008 at 06:25pm
User: Susan from Marietta, GA User Rating:
I'm making this again tonight. Very easy and tasty. I did use a little more than 1/2 lb. pasta and probably 8 oz. of cheese and it was still okay. I used 2% milk as well in order to cut down on calories!
Excellent
05/01/2008 at 04:13pm
User: null from null, null User Rating:
If you don't have dry mustard you can sub in 2t of prepared mustard (I used Dijon) I also added some ham to it because my husband and I like meat in our mac and cheese. It was really good with the mustard flavor. Very rich though! Better as a side dish than a main dish. I always trust Alton!
Wowzers!!! Mac and Cheese I actually LIKE!!!
04/28/2008 at 08:48pm
User: Rachel from Murfreesboro, TN User Rating:
I normally can't stand macaroni and cheese. I fixed this recipe for some "stuck on the blue box" kids. They all LOVED it and wanted more! Now we're dumping the box and this is the new fav!!!
not great
04/26/2008 at 04:58pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
This was disappointing. Once cooled, this mac and cheese was very clumpy and grainy. Not creamy at all. I followed the recipe to a T. The flavor was also waaaaay too cheesy.
Heavenly Comfort Food
04/22/2008 at 04:08pm
User: Longoria from Burlington, WI User Rating:
This recipe was simple, quick and didn't require any "exotic" ingredients. It is very tasty. I used equal parts medium cheddar and monterey jack. The only problem is, it may be so good you can't stop eating it.
I love you alton brown
04/19/2008 at 11:03am
User: anna from beachwood, OH User Rating:
This mac and cheese is delicious and of course much better than from the box. I have no cooking skills and I thought it was pretty quick and easy to make. The only change I made is less mustard powder. Theres really nothing wrong with it that makes me give it 4 stars and it's great but from alton brown I except out of this world!! So it's good but not up to alton brown standard.
awesomeness
04/18/2008 at 01:44pm
User: Allison from Lubbock, TX User Rating:
If a recipe says to bake your macaroni and cheese - don't do it. Use Alton's recipe!! It's creamy, luscious and totally sinful! NEVER BAKE MAC N CHEESE - it gets dry and you just have a loaf of oily pasta with curdled cheese! Gross! <3 Alton Brown!
YUMMY
04/18/2008 at 12:57am
User: L from JACKSONVILLE, FL User Rating:
I just made this for the first time and my husband and I both really liked it. It was pretty easy, but I increased the recipe to 1.5x, so in order to melt the cheese, I had to stir for more like 8 to 10 minutes and increase the temp slightly. But doing that, the cheese at the bottom began to curdle, so just be careful to watch it so it doesn't get too hot while melting the cheese. Also, make sure you're expecting the sharp cheddar flavor. It looks so creamy (like the blue box, but better) so I was expecting the american cheese taste. It took me a few bites to get used to it, but I love sharp cheddar, so I quickly decided I love it! It's definitely going to be a favorite. But if you don't like sharp cheddar, maybe try a different or milder cheese.
As easy and cheesy as it looks
04/17/2008 at 09:31pm
User: Karly from Seattle, WA User Rating:
I finally made the mac-n-cheese that looked so delish on tv. Having read the reviews, I decreased the mustard powder to 1/4 t and did not use hot sauce. Also, I wanted to use what I had on hand which meant I used half/half instead of the evaporated milk. This was so easy to make and it came together in the times Alton gave. I'd say I will make again but because it is sooo indulgent, I will have to show some restraint and put some time between me and the mac-n-cheese. In the meantime, there are the leftovers.
I LOVE CHEESE!
04/17/2008 at 04:18pm
User: tina from Green Bay, WI User Rating:
Kids Love it! I Love it easy and good.
Exceptional
04/10/2008 at 06:44pm
User: pete from narberth, PA User Rating:
Did it with whole grain pasta. Used wing sauce instead of hot sauce. Really quite good, same product as the stove top packages you might ordinarily make but honestly much, much, much better. Highly recommendable.
Maybe it's just me????
04/05/2008 at 11:36am
User: RogueOnion from Lakewood, CA User Rating:
But I felt this had very bland flavor. I believe the copious amount of liquid called for diluted the fantastic cheese flavor. This needs tinkering so I'll try it again but reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and stick a tablespoon of sour cream in there like I do with my Kraft Mac-N-Cheese. The sour cream really does wonders to boost it up.
Unexpected Winner
03/31/2008 at 04:23pm
User: Deb from Marysville, WA User Rating:
I have been trying different recipes for mac-n-cheese for years trying to find one that my husband likes (my family's version of the holy grail). I made this recipe because it was quick and easy, I had no expectations of greatness due to the recipe's simplicity. My husband raved! He said it was better than any baked mac-n-cheese I had made so far (some of those recipes called for over 5 different cheeses). This is pretty close to perfect and one of the very few recipes I will make a second time.
Fantastic, Super Easy, and a Toddler Pleaser
03/07/2008 at 01:34pm
User: Brooke from Sanford, FL User Rating:
We make this all the time for our three year old, when we know we're having something she won't eat. I have a really hard time staying out of it myself. Yay for Alton!
Excellent
02/16/2008 at 03:03pm
User: Stavros from New Haven, CT User Rating:
*Especially* compared to the "Throwdown with Bobby Flay" Mac and Cheese monstrosities on this site. Those recipes needed like 6 kinds of cheese and a dozen or so eggs... far more fat than Alton's recipe and I liked Alton's better!!! I used 1/4 tsp less mustard because the reviews scared me, but honestly I think the full amount would have been fine. The only other change was throwing in 2oz of Gruyere (so 8 oz cheddar, 2 oz Gruyere). It tasted great and was really easy.
Stove top Mac-n-cheese
02/16/2008 at 02:07pm
User: Ken from North Attleboro, MA User Rating:
I loved the consistency, easy to make, but it was too sweet.
Delicious!
02/15/2008 at 04:48pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
This was really SO easy and delicious! The only mistake I made was to use extra sharp cheddar--my son wouldn't eat it because it was too sharp. I used much less mustard--maybe 1/4 tsp--only 2 tablespoons of butter, and evaporated skim milk and it was still really, really great. I doubt I'll ever make the baked kind with a roux again! Highly recommended!
Not a fan
02/13/2008 at 04:50pm
User: Noel from Orange, CT User Rating:
I didn't really like this one and I love stove top mac and cheese. I made it and ditched the leftovers as I really was not into the flavor of it
Stove Top Mac-n-Cheese
02/06/2008 at 10:17pm
User: PATRICIA from Odenton, MD User Rating:
This recipe disappointed both myself and my family for two reasons: seasonings just were not right and the texture certainly was not creamy. I have now tried two of Alton's mac and cheese recipes and both just pretty much got thrown out. I really hate that when I cook a new recipe.
Relatively tasty
02/03/2008 at 05:34pm
User: amy from suffolk, VA User Rating:
Overall, this was very cheesy. I didn't use hot sauce, I used cayenne pepper. I also took others advice and reduced the mustard and added onion and garlic powder. that's what gave it the flavor. Not sure I'd make it again unless I used 2 different kinds of cheese. It also got clumpy if it sat around a while.
Very good...
01/30/2008 at 12:50pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
...my kids love, love, love Kraft Mac and Cheese. So they were a little afraid of this recipe and didn't really love it.. so I added the bag of cheese that's with Kraft to give them that little flavor they love. Worked yummingly!
Not very good
01/27/2008 at 09:52pm
User: scott from huntington, WV User Rating:
Mustard taste is overwhelming and the hot sauce does not fit in. The dish is also too salty. It would taste good if i were starving to death in the wilderness. Stove top Mac and cheese is much better this way: Boil some macaronie. Drain. Add some milk, velveta, and butter. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix over medium heat. Great stuff! Much better than this nasty stuff..
cubicle chef
01/25/2008 at 04:02pm
User: Ellen from Chicago, IL User Rating:
I cannot tell you how good this is! I always get requests for it at parties. Don't use preshredded cheese, you can taste the powder they use to prevent clumping. Has anyone used FF or RF evaporated milk? Do you get the same results?
Good but mustard-y
01/18/2008 at 07:55pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
It was good. My kids hated it though. I am crazy about mustard but it was a very strong flavor in this mac n cheese.
Better than any box by far!!!!!
01/17/2008 at 01:10am
User: Laura from Waikoloa, HI User Rating:
I tried this and it was absolutly amazing! I cut down on the hot sauce a little and used a med.ched & jack blend. Other than that all was the same!!!! So yummy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Delicious!
01/16/2008 at 03:05pm
User: Kristi from Ada, MI User Rating:
This is super easy and my kids love it. I use half the cheese and butter and broil it for a few minutes to brown the top. I make this recipe every week-it's a great leftover too. My 2 year old asks for it for breakfast lunch and dinner and says "mmm mmm, it's delicious"
Awesome Pasta
01/09/2008 at 02:17pm
User: HollyAnna from Portage, MI User Rating:
Just finished making this recipe, i think its going to be a winner with my family! Smooth, and rich consistancy
Excellent and easy recipe
01/01/2008 at 02:20pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
This was especially quick and easy to prepare. The result was creamy and cheesey, much better than the box varieties loaded with preservatives and trans fats. The dish went well with low fat cheese and ground turkey to make a healthier cheeseburger macaroni meal. Just adhere to the final three minutes to melt the cheese, anymore will cause the cheese and milk to curdle causing a grainy lumpy texture.
Pretty Darn Good Mac n' Cheese
12/31/2007 at 01:35pm
User: Ron from Cary, NC User Rating:
Really good Mac n'Cheese, but the fat content (for everyday food) has got to be threw the roof! I used 2% milk, instead of evaporated. And 10 oz of cheese for 1/2 pound of Macaroni?....yes, I did it that way today, but there was a lot of extra cheese on the plate; more than my already overweight kids need. So we will "cut the cheese" next time! (yea...pun intended)lol.
Must try!
12/29/2007 at 06:27pm
User: Ana from Miami, FL User Rating:
I made it with 2% milk instead of evaporated milk, and it still came out deeeelicious!!!!
Quick and Easy cheese lover's dream
12/27/2007 at 07:35pm
User: Jennifer from lancaster, CA User Rating:
My family LOVES this recipe. I've found it to be perfect just following the recipe as is. However, I often make it with whatever I happen to have on hand. Regular milk and mild cheddar makes the dish just as great. I don't find the mustard flavor overpowering and the hot sauce gives the best zing. Even my three year old daughter downs this like she hasn't eaten for a year. Kudos AB, you are my hero!
The Creamiest and Easiest Macaroni Ever!!!
12/22/2007 at 08:53am
User: Anonymous User Rating:
This is a great recipe for macaroni. I substituted the 6 oz evaporated milk for 1/2 c sour cream and 1/4 c milk. I also added a little mozzarella cheese which was delicious, by adding and substituting a few ingredients, this recipe was perfect, and is now my family recipe for macaroni and cheese. This recipe was great, but I highly recommend reducing the table salt by at least half, the salt in the cheese combined with the 1tsp table salt is a little much! Fix the salt, and this is the best macaroni recipe ever!!!
My kids wouldn't touch this!
12/13/2007 at 05:08pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I thought this was good...but my kids wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. I have a two and four year old who both believe the blue box is the "real" mac & cheese lol!
Very yummy
12/01/2007 at 11:33pm
User: Amy from Grain Valley, MO User Rating:
I left out the mustard and used half (gasp--don't tell AB) Velveeta. (cringe)It was sooo good! I think I will try the baked version to try to copy Cracker Barrel's mac. Very yummy...
Stove Top Mac & Cheese
11/25/2007 at 07:39pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
Tasted Great & very easy!
More than 5 stars.....
11/24/2007 at 02:42pm
User: Connie from Winston-Salem, NC User Rating:
By far the best Mac-N-Cheese our family has ever had and so easy. The only excuse for those claiming lack of flavor is the quality and flavor of the cheese you use. This is better than the box by far and we are counting this as a keeper. I am making it tonight with whole wheat penne to take to a late Thanksgiving celebration. This recipe seems to be very flexible and one that even different cheeses would be suited to. Thank you AB, we are fans and definitly fans of this recipe. When my husband tasted it for the first time it was like watching Roger Rabbit's eyes pop out - and I quote "this is the best mac and cheese I have ever had, including what my mother made."
This is the best!!
11/15/2007 at 12:18pm
User: Kelly from Smyrna, TN User Rating:
For some reason I have never been able to make a good home made macaroni recipe. That is until I found this one!!! It is a hit at every family function. It's also super easy to double or triple!
Alton rocks!!
11/12/2007 at 07:05pm
User: Laura from Anaheim, CA User Rating:
My older son didn't think it was possible that I could make homemade mac and cheese that was edible. I have to admit, most of my attempts have been awful! Not anymore! This recipe didn't take any more time than the stuff in the blue box and was way better. Like other reviewers, I cut down on the dry mustard to about a half teaspoon and only a couple of shakes of hot sauce. Perfection!!! Thanks, Alton!
I'll Never Buy Boxed Again!
11/11/2007 at 04:23pm
User: Heidi from McMurray, PA User Rating:
Easy,Easy,Easy and so GOOD! No artificial junk in it either!
blows the boxed stuff away
11/05/2007 at 09:33pm
User: Kim from Albany, CA User Rating:
Mr Brown has done it again, not only is this mac and cheese blow the boxed stove top versions away it much easier and alot quicker than baking it. For a family always on the move this is the way to go, even if I had three hours to bake a mac and cheese dish there is no need.
You ROCK Alton!
10/31/2007 at 07:40pm
User: Melany from Thornton, CO User Rating:
My husband, pre-schoolers, and I love your show and your recipes are fantastic. Thank you! I have tried countless recipes for mac 'n chz and for the time and money spent in this one, you absolutely won't find a better one!!!!
quick alternative to baked
10/28/2007 at 08:13pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
Quick alternative to a baked version. I like mac and cheese recipes with dry mustard and thought this one was good. I am in charge of bringing mac and cheese to our Thanksgiving dinner every year, and this year I am bringing this one. I don't think it would dry out like a baked dish might. Oh, I was out of evaporated milk so I used whole milk instead with no problem.
Wonderful Cheesy Goodness
10/28/2007 at 05:06pm
User: Amy from Reynolds, IL User Rating:
I HATE mustard. But, no it did not kill the taste. It added a sharpness you can't get from a box. Make this recipe AS IS before you try any suggested changes or additions. It's a great creamy, cheesey mac n cheese recipe. You won't want the dried out backed kind after this!
Very Cheesy
10/21/2007 at 01:19pm
User: Kristin from Clarksburg, WV User Rating:
I doubled the recipe for a crowd and it was great. It's really, really cheesy. Maybe even a little too cheesy, if that's possible. I used a good quality white cheddar and served it with roasted chicken. It was a hit. I may decrease the cheese next time.
REALLY great mac n cheese!
10/19/2007 at 09:53pm
User: Beth from Richardson, TX User Rating:
I love Alton's recipes and this one did not disappoint! My preschool son helped me make it and he loved it too! It has a tangy, creamy cheese sauce (and any good cheese sauce has some dry mustard in it!) and was just delicious. I have to take a meal to a friend and this is a perfect side dish to a spiral ham (doubled or tripled). Thank you!
I've been looking so long for a recipe like this
10/15/2007 at 04:54pm
User: Matthew from Washington, DC User Rating:
I was beginning to wonder if a mac-n-cheese recipe existed that didn't require baking. Not only does it, but it is plain simple and absolutely delicious.
Fast, easy and delicious
10/15/2007 at 08:25am
User: Laura from Little Rock, AR User Rating:
This comes together just as fast as you can get the macaroni cooked and tastes AMAZING. Plus I usually have all ingredients on hand. I'll never open a box again! Note: I omitted the mustard, but left the hot sauce, which gave a nice flavor in the background, not a lot of heat.
pretty good
10/14/2007 at 05:39pm
User: Allison from Noblesville, IN User Rating:
this was pretty good....it is way better than the box. and, it uses real cheese! we used 4 oz of mozzerella to go w/ 6 oz of sharp, and it was good.
Very easy and quite tasty!
10/11/2007 at 06:17pm
User: Laura from Gilbertsville, PA User Rating:
I loved this recipe because it was very easy to make, and the cheese sauce came out very creamy. I plan on using a milder cheese the next time, though. Maybe a shredded mexi mix? I liked the dry mustard flavor, so don't let other reviewers talk you out of trying it. It was not spicy, but had a bit of zip to it! The only other comment that I had was that kids may not like this unless they are experimental eaters, mine is not!
better then the box
10/11/2007 at 03:01pm
User: ana from arlington, TX User Rating:
I've never made mac-n-cheese that didn't involde a little pack of powder cheese, so i tried this recipe. I have to say its not the greatest but it does the job. To sharp for my taste; so I omitted the mustard dint want the tartness, and added some garlic salt instead of just salt and some parsley. Next time i'll add some chicken in it. Take the advise of making that cheese a more milder cheddar.
To hot
10/02/2007 at 09:02pm
User: Sue from Blue Springs, MO User Rating:
Very good but much to hot (spicy) for me. Love your show.
bvkgv
10/01/2007 at 10:09pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
jhvkg
So easy, so good
09/29/2007 at 08:07pm
User: REBECCA from Lake Oswego, OR User Rating:
Yowza, what a good recipe! I love basic recipes that use regular ingredients that taste so good. You've done it again, Mr. Brown. Thanks!!
Yum!
09/24/2007 at 07:36pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
Very good and sooo easy! Always satisfies my craving for a really good cheesy, creamy mac-n-cheese.
Easy and good
08/25/2007 at 05:17pm
User: Lynne from Orangevale, CA User Rating:
I like to keep the staples in my pantry for this recipe. It's a delicious recipe for a quick meal the kids will like on a busy school, work, sports day. Pair it with a salad and steamed veggie and you'll be eating good.
great mac and cheese
08/05/2007 at 12:24pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
Very good creamy mac and cheese - a good alternative to baked.
Not my favorite
08/01/2007 at 01:04pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
Although I didn't watch the show, I made this and was not satisfied. I thought that it had a different flavor to it that I didn't appreciate.
Creamy, cheesy, and delicious
07/30/2007 at 05:55pm
User: Matthew from Lewisburg, PA User Rating:
Great recipe. Could eat it everyday. Would cut down on the dry mustard to 1/2 or 1/4 tsp. For a spicy variation I found that adding a tbsp or so of green tabasco or goya jalapeno hot sauce tastes great. Too much standard hot sauce drowns out the creaminess.
Yummy mac-n-cheese
07/26/2007 at 03:55pm
User: Kathryn from springfield, MO User Rating:
This was my 11 month old's first taste of mac-n-cheese and she loved it. Next time we will use less of the powered mustard. Other than that, it was easy and tasty!
Best Mac ever
07/24/2007 at 11:44pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
My family loves this mac and cheese recipe. None of us will eat store bought or boxed since we tried this. It is well worth the time and effort, which isn't much more than the box type.
Yum!
07/24/2007 at 11:48am
User: Alicia from Santa Fe, NM User Rating:
Very creamy, cheesy dish! I tried a baked macaroni recipe before but this one was soooo much better. Can't wait to try it with the sharp cheddar, I was out and had to use a medium one. My children ate it up, that's the real test though.
Kids Request It!
07/07/2007 at 05:54pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
We LOVE LOVE LOVE this recipe. My kids ask me to make this instead of the box. And its easy enough to make, incredibly delicious and better for you than the box. Thanks Alton!
Amazing!
07/06/2007 at 12:44pm
User: SHANNON from Woodridge, IL User Rating:
I have been making the baked mac and cheese and next day toast from this episode for more than two years (and if you haven't tried them you must), but today was the first time for the stove top version, and all I can say is WOW! I may even (gasp) like it better than the baked version. Because I was making it for my 10 month old, I used only 1/4 tsp dry mustard and mild cheddar (as that is what I had on hand), and to me it was perfect. The flavor was simply outstanding. The hot sauce added flavor, but no heat. The texture was creamy and not at all lumpy or stringy. If you like dry mac and cheese that sticks together in clumps (like the box), this is not for you. I just hope it reheats well so my husband can enjoy it when he gets home.
Fast, Simple, and Very Tasty
06/30/2007 at 03:32pm
User: Gary from Sparks, NV User Rating:
I love a good Mac and cheese but I don't have a lot of time to bake it. This is a great option. I make a lot in the winter and in the summer I have it with BBQ.
tasty
06/18/2007 at 05:07pm
User: Rosi from Miami, FL User Rating:
super easy to do and very tasty
Absolutely fantastic
06/16/2007 at 04:18pm
User: Christina from New Milford, NJ User Rating:
This is the most perfect mac and cheese I have ever tasted! There is so much flavor and it is smooth and creamy, the way mac and cheese should be.
easy and delicious
06/14/2007 at 12:34pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
this is so easy and is a hit with all my friends
Nice recipe
06/09/2007 at 06:40pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
AMAZING mac 'n cheese. Very easy to make, but shredding that much cheese was a pain. I made this several times and recommend a mild cheddar. Sharp cheddar has too much of a bite.
Easy homemade Mac & Cheese
06/06/2007 at 03:30pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
Very easy & pretty quick for homemade. Be sure to use a good cheese--the first time we used shredded cheddar & it was a bit grainy.
delicious
06/03/2007 at 07:19am
User: chris from astoria, NY User Rating:
This recipe really surprised me,I doubled the recipe, but kept the hot sauce and mustard at 1 tsp each. I also used a 3 cheese blend, mozz, monteray jack, cheddar. It was so good and so easy to make!
Box? Who needs a box?
05/28/2007 at 02:28pm
User: Carlos from Port St Lucie, FL User Rating:
Mac and Cheese has always included a box or a frozen tray at my house. I can?t imagine ever buying another box or tray after trying this recipe. It takes about the same time to prepare this disk as a box or tray, so just say no to the box, your taste buds will thank you for it.
Mac & cheese
05/23/2007 at 04:10pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGR8
Just good eats
05/22/2007 at 10:38am
User: Anonymous User Rating:
A great recipe that's really simple to prepare and almost as quick as the stuff in a box but with a much better flavor. It's also a great recipe to start improvising; I threw in just a touch of Worcestershire sauce for a lightly smokey flavor, and the additions and substitutions are endless. I would heartily recommend any of Alton Brown's recipes, but this one is at the top of the list.
NO HOT SAUCE PLZ
05/20/2007 at 05:38pm
User: Diane from Grand Rapids, MI User Rating:
Basically this is perfect mac and cheese but... the hot sauce ruined it, so I had to give two stars. I'd give it one star but 1. it had the potential for perfection minus the hot sauce. 2. my korean brother who eats kimchee as a snack loved it (I dont think he has any taste buds left tho)
nice and creamy
05/19/2007 at 12:55pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
This came out nice and creamy, but I thought mustard taste was a little much. I also used 6 0z sharp and 4 oz regular cheese. Think I will try 5 & 5 next time. Will try recipe again.
The Best
05/18/2007 at 10:02am
User: Dale from Saint Louis, MO User Rating:
This is simply the best stovetop mac and cheese I've ever had. And it's quick and easy to make.
great for starters
05/11/2007 at 11:44pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
this show, especially this recipe, has really motivated me to begin downloading recipes and begin cooking... I have done this recipe twice already.. the first time I did it as stated and I loved the flavor. (However, I used fat free cheese and fat free butter.) I never wanted to eat another box of mac and cheese again!! The second time I used twice as much macaroni, a little less butter and no salt. Each time the meal tasted great. I loved the dry mustard and the hot sauce!! Alton, thanks for motivating me.
Definitely better than the box stuff
05/02/2007 at 06:54pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
What is it with people incessantly putting mustard in mac and cheese? I don't get that. I'm too sensitive to the taste of mustard, and fearing this would come up tasting like mac and mustard rather than mac and cheese, I omitted it, along with the hot sauce and black pepper. Instead, I added 1/2 tsp of paprika and 1/4 tsp of cayenne, which suited my Texan tastebuds quite well. I hesistantly used sharp cheddar, although I did mix in some left-over pre-shredded Mexican blend I had in the fridge. Next time I may just go with the Mexican blend or a milder cheese overall. But still it was tasty, easy, satisfying and affordable. BTW, for those who are using block cheese and are getting a gritty result, try pre-shredded cheese next time - pre-shredded cheese is usually coated with a starch to prevent caking, and that starch may help the protein in the cheese from getting too gritty when heated.
Stove Mac and Cheese
04/21/2007 at 04:19pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
This recipe for mac and cheese was exactly what I was looking for, a creamy homemade mac and cheese. I even put the mac and chesse mixture in casserole dish after it finished cooking and sprinkled some paprika on top and then placed it in the oven on 350 for 5 minutes. DELICIOUS and EASY! This will be one of my staple recipes!
Tasted weird
04/12/2007 at 09:32am
User: Anonymous User Rating:
The consistency was great, but there was something weird about the taste. It also turned out too salty because I am in the habit of salting the cooking water for my pasta. I'd leave the salt out of the sauce next time and use regular macaroni instead of whole wheat.
Best ever
04/09/2007 at 07:26pm
User: Lee from Moorhead, MN User Rating:
This mac and cheese is the best I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying. It's flavorful, thick, and honest. I've tried it many ways, but the best results always come when I use high quality cheese and just slightly undercook the noodles, so there is a lot of texture. I love this recipe also because it lends itself to creativity. It was incredible with sharp cheddar, of course, but also great when I substituted half the cheddar for a pepper jack, gouda, muenster, and even asiago. Plus, it's rich enough that small portions seem large, which fits my college student budget quite well. Highly recommended.
yummy and easy
04/05/2007 at 07:38pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I threw this in a casserol with buttery breadcrumbs and parmesean on top and baked for just a few minutes. I got rave reviews.
Ha Ha, I win
03/30/2007 at 07:10pm
User: Kevin from Lakeside Park, KY User Rating:
My wife wanted REAL macaroni and cheese and I made this recipe as part of dinner. She exclaimed, "You WASTED all that cheese!"... then she was REALLY quiet after she tasted it. All six kids loved it, ate it all, left the some of the other food on the plate, and my 18 year old was spooning the residue out of the pan afterwards. I used real milk, left the hot sauce and mustard out - and it was terrific.
Fantastic Macaroni & Cheese, the Best I ever had
03/21/2007 at 02:33pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
Its really creamy, like the good old 60's I made this recipe twice now, its a hit in my home :) Here are the small modifications I made This is the best macaroni & cheese I ever tried yet Stove Top Mac-n-Cheese Recipe courtesy Alton Brown Show: Good Eats Episode: For Whom the Cheese Melts 2 1/2 pound elbow macaroni 4 tablespoons butter 2 eggs 6 ounces evaporated milk ( DONT buy condensed milk ) 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce( I omitted this ) 1 teaspoon kosher salt( I omitted also ) Fresh black pepper 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard ( only 1/2 teaspon for me ) 10 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded. In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente and drain. Return to the pot and melt in the butter. Toss to coat. Whisk together the eggs, milk, hot sauce, salt, pepper, and mustard. Stir into the pasta and add the cheese. Over low heat continue to stir for 3 minutes or until creamy. http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_18423,00.html
Greatest Mac and Cheese ever!
03/15/2007 at 07:47pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I'm not much of a mac and cheese person, but I had to try this one because I am such a Good Eats devotee. I was blown away! The best mac and cheese I have ever had. Most certainly Good Eats!
Perfect!!
03/14/2007 at 08:04pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
It was great! I didn't add the dry mustard because of some complaints that it possibly made the mac n cheese taste funky. So instead I used 2tbs of dijon mustard. I wanted to make the mac n cheese toast, but there isn't enough left! (I only made a half recipe.)
yumm
03/13/2007 at 06:50pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
yet another simple and good recipe from the kitchen of Alton
Fabulous!
03/12/2007 at 10:02am
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I am a macaroni and cheese lover. My 4-year old is as well. And, so is my mom. The oven wouldn't work, and my mom was eating dinner with us and refuses to eat the boxed stuff, so I found this recipe. I must agree with some of the other reviewers that I will never make the stuff from the box again. This recipe was so tasty and EASY. It takes no longer to make than the boxed stuff, but what you get in terms of flavor is a hundred times better. Generally, I bake macaroni and cheese. When my son or I just have a quick hankering for it, though, we've been known to eat the boxed variety, or even the frozen stuff. I think Alton Brown has forever replaced both options.
Easy & Super Creamy
02/25/2007 at 12:24pm
User: Mike from Dallas, TX User Rating:
I've never made stove-top style mac & cheese; I've only cooked casserole style. This was really good and really easy.
Just lik ethe box only...
02/20/2007 at 07:40pm
User: bob from Fredericksburg, VA User Rating:
Typical Alton Brown recipe. HOT. Don't add the hot sauce (duh!) and drop th edry mustard to around 1/4 tsp. Then you have got it made!
great for the kids
02/11/2007 at 10:38am
User: fawn from Stephens city, VA User Rating:
my girls love to make this. It tastes better than the box stuff and better for you.
Very Good
02/04/2007 at 09:02am
User: Anonymous User Rating:
Good, quick and easy to make and rich like you wouldn' believe. Throw some bread crumbs on top and put it under thr broiler quickly.
Simply Delicious
02/04/2007 at 02:06am
User: Curtis from jackson, MS User Rating:
It is fast simple and delicious, this recipie is the envy of my friends.
Awsome!
02/03/2007 at 12:08pm
User: Alice from Hilliard, OH User Rating:
I've tried to make homemade mac & cheese several times...this was the easiest and tasted the best without even having to bake it in the oven. Tasted soooo good! Will definitely be saved for future use!
Delicious
02/01/2007 at 07:03pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
Very tasty, i've tried a lot of different stove top recipes and this one by far is the best. I didn't use the ground mustard because I've got children and I didn't think that would go over to well. Great!
This is it...
02/01/2007 at 12:01am
User: Deanna from Chicago, IL User Rating:
OK, my quest to find the ultimate mac & cheese recipe is officially over. This is hands-down the best ever. I did, however, reduce the amount of dry mustard. I used 1/2 teaspoon, and it was fabulous. I think 1/4 teaspoon would be good too. I have tried soooo many mac & cheese recipes, and this is the one I'll stick with. It's to die for!!!
Whole family loved it!
01/30/2007 at 08:57pm
User: Dan from Austin, TX User Rating:
Our kids are fickle eaters and they loved this macaroni and cheese. I only made two minor changes. One, we didn't have any sharp cheddar, so I used half mild cheddar and half Monterey jack cheese. Two, I made the mac and cheese a couple hours before serving time and had to add a little extra milk when reheating it to bring back the creamy texture. This mac and cheese is very flavorful, velvety smooth, and easy to make. No baking required. I didn't notice the strong mustard aroma or flavor that some people have written about. Highly recommended! Thanks, Alton for a wonderful family friendly recipe. I will definitely make this again.
Quick & Easy
01/25/2007 at 01:40pm
User: Theresa from Henderson, NV User Rating:
My husband loved this recipe. It was very quick and easy to make. After reading the reviews, I decided to use 1/4 tsp of the mustard, no hot sauce, mild cheddar, and since I didn't have the evaporated milk, I did 3oz 2% milk, and 3oz cream. It came out great, and I had no problem getting the sauce to thicken. I couldn't tell you about left overs...we didn't have any! Maybe a double batch next time.
Easy and Delicious
01/18/2007 at 05:38pm
User: Lee from Bartlett, TN User Rating:
This is the best homemade mac n cheese I've ever made!
Most Awsome Mac and Cheese
01/16/2007 at 06:11pm
User: Thomas from Pawcatuck, CT User Rating:
This made me King of the Mac and Cheese makers in my house and everywhere I go.
Best Mac-n-Cheese no more store bought
01/12/2007 at 06:55pm
User: Janet from Corona, CA User Rating:
I first made this for my 4 year old picky grandson. He loved it, so now this is the only mac-n-cheese he wants. Thank you Alton
killer mac/cheese
01/12/2007 at 03:28pm
User: john from douglasville, GA User Rating:
super easy and de-lish my friends think i'm a mac/cheese goo-roo.and we are aren't we alton
Better than Grandma's
01/10/2007 at 09:30pm
User: Julie from Tucson, AZ User Rating:
My husband said this was better than his grandma's and so easy to make. I have made this several times. Better than the box by all means and so much more healthy for you. Highly recommended!
Stove Top Mac-n-Cheese
01/01/2007 at 07:01pm
User: meredith from dana point, CA User Rating:
Simple ingreedents, easy and quick to make, and very yummy. My husband hates mac and cheese, but will eat this recipe!!!
good mac and cheese
01/01/2007 at 11:35am
User: RALPH from CHARLESTON, WV User Rating:
simple, quick, good
Easy and Delicious Mac & Cheese
12/26/2006 at 02:57pm
User: Selena from Brooklyn, NY User Rating:
Yet another easy and quick recipe from Alton, and this one has broken all the records for taste. My foodie friends have demanded that I never tell them the recipe, lest they make it home every night of the week. :) There's no adjustments needed on this recipe -- it's perfect as is!
Family Favorite
12/23/2006 at 09:49pm
User: Mary from Turlock, CA User Rating:
This was absolutely the best mac and cheese we have ever had! I made it exactly as suggested, everyone in the family loved it. Next time I'll have to make a double batch to satisfy everyone and still have leftovers for lunch.
better than the box
12/22/2006 at 01:21pm
User: JoAnna from Louisa, VA User Rating:
I was nominated to make the mac and cheese this christmas and after being a die hard box person, I believe I will switch. I was testing the recipe out before the big day and added a bay leaf to the water for the noodles, ommited the mustard and hot sauce, and used 8 oz of mild cheddar and 2 -4 oz of mozzarella. I didn't have any macaroni on hand so I used wide egg noodles. It tasted great. The cheddar flavor is strong and I may try it with some american cheese (not the proccessed cheese food-yuck)to tone down the flavor for the grandparents as they prefer a slightly more bland diet.I bet this would be good with a little onion powder in it, too. Thanks Alton for another great recipe. I love this website!
Awesome
12/11/2006 at 02:36pm
User: LISA from Travis AFB, CA User Rating:
I've made this recipe time and time again. It works for holidays and weeknights. Even my picky kids enjoy it... just as long as they don't know it has egg in it. :)
Simple and cheesy
12/09/2006 at 06:44pm
User: Tracey from Inglewood, CA User Rating:
I will never make baked mac and cheese again. I made this and then baked extra cheese on top and the crowd went wild.
Quick, Easy, Yummy
12/05/2006 at 04:26pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I love to make this recipe for my family because it's quick, easy, and yummy. It taste oh so much better than the store bought stuff.
easy & yummy
12/03/2006 at 04:11pm
User: AUBREE from Seattle, WA User Rating:
I wanted a quick yet yummy mac & cheese recipe and decided to give Alton's a try. Turned out very good! I did not have dry mustard so I used dijon instead and it turned out just great. I could not taste the hot sauce. Next time I will most likely use normal milk vs evaporated, it wasn't quite creamy enough for me. All in all a solid recipe!
not bad
11/30/2006 at 05:03pm
User: stephanie from North Highlands, CA User Rating:
this was okay i like the oven kind
Best Stove Top Mac and Cheese
11/28/2006 at 05:04pm
User: Fred from Lafayette, LA User Rating:
We'll never buy that boxed stuff again. Thanks AB
Easy & Awesome!
11/20/2006 at 02:02pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
My family won't let me make mac & cheese any other way!
A little change that went over Great
11/19/2006 at 03:15am
User: Tony from Latham, NY User Rating:
All I did was use a little less hot scauce and little less sharp chedder and added Jalapeno Montery Jack cheese. I used 2 ounces of Mont. Jack and 8 ounces of NY Sharpe Chedder Cheese.
Tasty
11/18/2006 at 08:46pm
User: Maria from Port Saint Lucie, FL User Rating:
I liked this recipe, although next time, I'll try a mild cheddar. The cheddar was a little strong tasting for me. I also made the cheese sauce in a sauce pan and then poured it over the cooked noodles. I would definately make this again. It was easy and more flavorful than the box kind.
Naughty Good!
11/18/2006 at 03:31pm
User: Chris from Bellevue, WA User Rating:
Awesome!
Unbelievable
11/17/2006 at 01:33pm
User: Amanda from Hoover, AL User Rating:
This receipe is super easy and super good. Being the kid who never REALLY liked the texture of grandma's eggy mac and cheese, this is fantastic. Just cheese and macaroni--the best art of grandma's classic.
Not good at all
11/08/2006 at 08:20pm
User: KAREN from WARWICK, RI User Rating:
After reading all the rave reviews and since I was looking for an easy but good macaroni and cheese recipe, I decided to try this. What a mistake. I love Alton Brown and his shows but this recipe isn't good. The mustard killed the taste. The sauce was too tart and soupy. I tried putting it into the oven under the broiler to "mop up" some of the soupiness but it just curdled the sauce instead. I will never make this again.
Love it! Love it! Love it!
11/08/2006 at 01:42pm
User: Joanna from Running Springs, CA User Rating:
It's the best I've ever had. It puts every boxed recipe to shame.
Heavy, but good
10/29/2006 at 02:43pm
User: Laura from Negaunee, MI User Rating:
After reading the other reviews, I left out the mustard and the hot sauce completely when I made this, but it was very good. It was a little heavy and I ended up making too much, but I will make this again for sure.
Definitely not a comfort food
10/27/2006 at 03:08pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
Terrible. This mac & cheese is not creamy or cheesy, and the mustard is overwhelming. I'm all for a new twist on classic recipes and I admire Alton, but this...ugh. No, a more orthodox method of mac & cheese preparation, baked or stovetop, is key.
Wonderful!
10/26/2006 at 09:17am
User: Anonymous User Rating:
My boyfriend and I used this recipe for a wedding and made 300 servings. We made it a day in advanced and re-heated it in the oven - people loved it and are demanding the recipe.
quick and yummy
10/24/2006 at 06:52pm
User: Dreama from North Charleston, SC User Rating:
quick and yummy
Lots of flavor. Easy as a box of Kraft M&C
10/22/2006 at 01:12am
User: JOE from seattle, WA User Rating:
Loved this one AB's baked M&C is even better.
Alton's Mac Wins!
10/11/2006 at 01:51pm
User: Mary Beth from Brookhaven, PA User Rating:
I teach cooking and nutrition to 8th graders. We make this in class. The kids love it, and it's very easy to make. It also won the taste test comparison to Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. (Thank goodness because it is much healthier)
ok
10/11/2006 at 10:52am
User: Nancy from Scarborough, ME User Rating:
I used the sharp cheddar and my kids didn't like it to much. my hubby loves the sharp cheese so he liked it but it wasnt a hit with the rest of the family. I wouldnt make it again.
A second chance
10/09/2006 at 10:37pm
User: KIMBERLY from Glendale, AZ User Rating:
I made this macaroni and cheese a long time ago, maybe even before there was a rating system. I did something really, really wrong and agreed never to make it again. I think I had the heat too high and scrambled the eggs. Anyway, I decided to try again,hoping the memory of the earlier disaster had dulled, and it was a huge, creamy, cheesy, yummy success!!!! I used a bit more evaporated milk as it had gotten a little too thick, and I reduced the mustard to a pinch. My hubby raved about it and ate a ton. Next we'll try it with whole wheat pasta Served it with meatloaf, and my son cleaned his plate. Good stuff Alton! Love you!!!
Way better than the box!
10/02/2006 at 06:41pm
User: NANCY from West Suffield, CT User Rating:
My family enjoyed this mac and cheese. My DGD will not eat baked macaroni and cheese, so this was a nice alternative. I took advice not to add the dried mustard, and added a little sour cream at the end. I could just taste the hot sauce, but if I did not know what was in the dish, I would not know that it was there.
Awesome Mac and Cheese
10/02/2006 at 05:52pm
User: Keith from BRANDON, FL User Rating:
This recipe is getting lots of compliments from my friends and family members. Thanks Alton for the way you break it down and explain the science behind cooking.
loved it
09/28/2006 at 12:08pm
User: Gay from PHX, AZ User Rating:
I read the reviews, so I cut the muxtard to 1/4 t, and used a snall can of evap milk--1 ounce less, I had 8 oz of kraft sharp cheese and left the hot sauce out, and reduced the salt by half. We all loved it. I don't use package products...so the grandkids are very happy. It also reheated nicely. I had given up on mac and cheese, I could never get home made to come out good but it is back on the menue. Thanks!!!
Great!
09/27/2006 at 02:31pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
Quick and easy-delicious!
Excelent.
09/27/2006 at 08:36am
User: Dale from Lees Summit, MO User Rating:
Not the flavor I am used to with box mixes so I am going to change to mild cheddar and half the mustard. Other then that it's an excelent dish!
Yummy!
09/25/2006 at 11:08pm