The Food Lab's Ultra-Gooey Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe

• servings: 6 servings
• active time: 5 minutes
• total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound (454g) elbow macaroni

Kosher salt

One 12-ounce can evaporated milk (355ml)

2 large eggs (100g)

1 teaspoon (5ml) Frank’s RedHot or other hot sauce

1 teaspoon (5g) ground mustard

1 pound (454g) extra-sharp cheddar, grated (see note)

8 ounces (227g) American cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (see note)

1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch

8 tablespoons (1 stick; 113g) unsalted butter, cut into 4 chunks

Directions

Place the macaroni in a large saucepan and cover it with salted water by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. Cover the pan, remove from the heat, and let stand until the pasta is barely al dente, about 8 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together the evaporated milk, eggs, hot sauce, and mustard in a bowl until homogeneous. Toss the cheeses with the cornstarch in a large bowl until thoroughly combined.

When the pasta is cooked, drain it and return it to the saucepan. Place over low heat, add the butter, and stir until melted. Add the milk mixture and cheese mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is hot and creamy. Season to taste with salt and more hot sauce. Serve immediately, topping with toasted bread crumbs if desired.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Serves 4 to 6
• Calories: 813 kcal
• Total Fat: 58 g
• Saturated Fat: 33 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 230 mg
• Sodium: 1269 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 37 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
• Total Sugars: 10 g
• Protein: 36 g