Stick of Butter Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and incredibly indulgent. This recipe gets its name from the full stick of butter that melts into the pasta, creating a velvety sauce that coats every noodle. Its buttery flavor blends perfectly with melted cheese, making each bite smooth and satisfying.
Stick of Butter Mac and Cheese:
Perfect for busy nights, holidays, or potlucks, this mac and cheese is shockingly simple yet unbelievably delicious. With minimal ingredients and minimal effort, you get a dish that tastes like pure comfort. Anyone who loves creamy, cheesy pasta will adore this recipe.
History:
Mac and cheese has been a popular comfort dish in America for centuries, with roots tracing back to European pasta and cheese casseroles. Over time, Southern cooks elevated the dish by adding butter, evaporated milk, and generous amounts of cheese. The “stick of butter” version grew popular for its simplicity and richness, offering a creamy, oven-baked mac and cheese that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
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Stick of Butter Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups whole milk or evaporated milk
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain well.
- Place cooked macaroni in a greased baking dish.
- Cut the stick of butter into chunks and scatter over the pasta.
- Add shredded cheddar evenly across the top.
- Pour milk over the mixture.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
- Stir gently to combine everything.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for the smoothest melting.
- Evaporated milk creates a richer, creamier sauce.
- Add cream cheese for extra thickness.
- Stir halfway through baking for even creaminess.
- Sharp cheddar gives the best flavour.
Tips for Butter Mac and Cheese:
- Rinse pasta only if you want a firmer texture.
- Add a mix of cheeses—Mozzarella or Monterey Jack work well.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle paprika or hot sauce on top.
- Bake longer for a crispy, golden top layer.
- Double the cheese for an ultra-cheesy version.
FAQ’s for Mac and Cheese:
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Q: Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes—shells, rotini, or cavatappi work great.
Q: Can I make it without baking?
Yes. Stir everything on the stovetop over low heat until melted and creamy.
Q: How do I thicken the sauce?
Use evaporated milk or add 2–3 oz cream cheese.
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but fresh cheese melts much better.
Conclusion:
Stick of Butter Mac and Cheese is the perfect blend of simplicity and decadence. With minimal ingredients and bold, buttery flavor, it’s a dish that brings comfort to any table. Whether for holidays or weeknight meals, this creamy and cheesy classic never disappoints.