Stovetop Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly rich, all made effortlessly in a single pot. Each forkful captures the nostalgia of childhood but with the grown-up satisfaction of homemade goodness. Whether you’re craving a cozy family dinner or seeking the perfect side for your next gathering, this recipe delivers on all fronts: big flavor, customizable cheese blends, and a luscious sauce that clings to tender noodles. Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as easy to whip up on a busy weeknight as it is to savor every single bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a few simple ingredients work together to create something absolutely magical. Each one is a building block of flavor — from the creamy dairy to the sharp cheddar, and even the pinch of seasonings that make this classic sing!
- Elbow macaroni: The classic noodle shape for mac and cheese, it holds onto that silky cheese sauce perfectly.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create the base for that creamy sauce we all crave.
- All-purpose flour: A must for making a quick roux to thicken your sauce without any lumps.
- Whole milk: Provides creaminess and just the right consistency for coating each noodle.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show, offering bold flavor and melty texture.
- Gruyère or mozzarella (optional): Mix things up with a blend for even more depth and gooey goodness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for pulling all the flavors together — don’t skip a good seasoning.
- Mustard powder or Dijon mustard (optional): Adds a little tang and zing, making the cheese flavor pop.
How to Make Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. You want the pasta to be firm enough to hold up to the creamy sauce. Be sure to stir occasionally so nothing sticks. When it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside — but don’t forget to reserve about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to thin out your sauce later!
Step 2: Make the Roux
In the same pot (fewer dishes, hooray!), melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly until the mixture is bubbly and golden, about 1 minute. This step is key for creating a lump-free, silky sauce. It keeps things smooth and ensures your cheese doesn’t get stringy down the line.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Pour the milk in slowly, whisking as you go so the roux dissolves without clumps. Keep whisking gently as the mixture thickens — this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Once it looks creamy and coats the back of a spoon, you’re ready for the main event: the cheese!
Step 4: Melt in the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheeses little by little, stirring after each addition to melt it smoothly into the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of mustard if you’re using it. The sauce should be thick, glossy, and perfectly cheesy — practically begging for noodles!
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked macaroni to the pot and mix gently until every piece is coated with the luscious sauce. If it looks a little thick, stir in some reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you hit your perfect creaminess. Now all that’s left is to take a taste (for science, of course!), adjust the seasoning, and get ready to serve up your dreamy stovetop mac and cheese.
How to Serve Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
Give your Stovetop Mac and Cheese that little extra flair with one of these finishing touches: a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for brightness, a dusting of smoked paprika for subtle heat, or even a handful of crunchy toasted breadcrumbs for texture. These simple add-ons turn a bowl of comfort into something that looks (and tastes) extra special.
Side Dishes
Stovetop Mac and Cheese is rich and filling, so it shines next to something light and crisp. Try serving it alongside a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette, some steamed broccoli or peas, or even roasted tomatoes for a juicy pop. And if you’re hosting a bigger meal, it pairs beautifully as a side with grilled chicken, barbecue, or meatloaf.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your stovetop mac and cheese up a notch for guests! Spoon it into mini ramekins for individual servings, top with a little extra cheese and broil just until bubbly for a fancy twist. Or, stir in cooked bacon, sautéed spinach, or roasted veggies to make it a colorful, one-bowl main. However you present it, this dish is always a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Stovetop Mac and Cheese is a dream for next-day lunches! Just allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. If you notice the sauce thickening up, don’t worry — a splash of milk will restore its dreamy texture when reheating.
Freezing
While mac and cheese can be frozen, the sauce might separate a bit after thawing. For best results, let it cool, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating. Stir well and add a little extra milk or even a handful of fresh cheese to revive that creamy finish.
Reheating
To reheat, place your stovetop mac and cheese in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often. Add splashes of milk to bring back the original silkiness. For a super-quick fix, you can microwave covered portions in 30-second bursts, stirring between each. Either way, reheated mac and cheese can be just as comfortingly tender and cheesy as day one!
FAQs
How do I avoid grainy cheese sauce?
The secret is to use freshly shredded cheese and melt it gently over low heat. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Also, avoid boiling the sauce once the cheese is added — keep the heat low and stir constantly.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Definitely! While elbow macaroni is classic for Stovetop Mac and Cheese, feel free to use shells, cavatappi, or even penne. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary, and smaller shapes tend to hold the sauce best.
What cheeses work best for this recipe?
A mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyère hits the perfect balance of flavor and meltiness, but you can experiment. Monterey Jack, fontina, or gouda all work well. Just steer clear of pre-shredded cheese for the creamiest results.
How can I make it healthier?
Try swapping whole milk for low-fat milk, and use part-skim cheese. You can also add steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition. Whole-wheat pasta is another great swap if you want more fiber in your Stovetop Mac and Cheese.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! You can easily scale up the ingredients to feed a crowd. Just use a larger pot and stir well to be sure the cheese sauce gets distributed evenly. This recipe was made for sharing.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like homemade stovetop mac and cheese — it’s fast, foolproof, and universally loved. I hope you make it, share it, and come back for seconds every time! Warm up your kitchen and treat yourself to a bowl of the very best comfort food around.
Print
Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This stovetop mac and cheese recipe is a creamy and indulgent dish that is quick and easy to make. Perfect for a comforting meal or a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Ingredients
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Add mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize this mac and cheese by adding crispy bacon, diced tomatoes, or breadcrumbs on top before serving.
- For extra creaminess, mix in some cream cheese or sour cream to the cheese sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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