Classic stovetop mac and cheese
Classic stovetop mac and cheese is a creamy, comforting American dish made by cooking elbow macaroni and then stirring it into a rich cheese sauce, typically crafted from butter, flour, milk, and a blend of melted cheeses like cheddar. It's a beloved staple of home cooking and diner menus, prized for its simplicity and satisfying, gooey texture.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in both carbohydrates from the pasta and fats from the cheese and butter, providing a good source of calcium and protein. A typical homemade serving contains roughly 400-550 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbs | 40 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Calcium | 300 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150 mcg |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.8 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Selenium | 20 mcg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it represents the ultimate American comfort food, often associated with childhood and family meals. Nutritionally, its unique appeal lies in the combination of starchy carbs and savory, fatty cheese, which triggers a powerful sense of satisfaction and fullness.
