Stovetop Mac & Cheese
Stovetop Mac & Cheese is a classic, creamy American comfort food made by cooking elbow macaroni and then stirring it with a rich cheese sauce, often built from butter, milk, and melted cheddar. Unlike the baked version, it's prepared entirely on the stovetop, resulting in a quick, velvety, and indulgent dish that's a staple in many households.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is typically high in carbohydrates from the pasta and fat from the cheese and milk, providing a significant amount of calcium and protein. A standard serving can range from 400 to 600 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and portion size.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Calcium | 300 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Potassium | 200 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.8 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Zinc | 2 mg |
| Selenium | 20 mcg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a quintessential example of American comfort food, often associated with childhood and nostalgia, and has even inspired a famous song by the band Kraft. Nutritionally, its unique appeal lies in its high palatability, combining fat, salt, and starch in a way that can be highly satisfying and comforting.
