Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Quick, creamy, and packed with cheesy flavor, this Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese is ready in under 20 minutes. It’s a one-pot weeknight win that beats the boxed stuff every time!
Our Baked Beans with Ground Beef pair great with this recipe, and my kids love it served with Mini Meatloaf Muffins. If you want a set-it-and-forget-it option, our Crockpot Velveeta Mac and Cheese is another great choice.
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I grew up eating a box of Kraft Macaroni and cheese whenever my Mom served stovetop Macaroni, I think that’s what most of us did. But there’s nothing quite like the comforting goodness of homemade macaroni and cheese. The combination of rich and creamy sauce with pasta cooked al dente, creates a dish that is pure cheesy goodness!
This recipe takes the classic mac and cheese to the next level, offering a quick and easy solution for those seeking a delicious dinner option. Serve it as a main course or as a yummy side dish on busy weeknights, and watch as your whole family savor every creamy and cheesy bite!
What you’ll love about this Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe:
- EASY – Made on the stovetop and ready in 15 minutes!
- CREAMY– Cheese melts over cooked pasta, yum!
- FAMILY FAVORITE – Everyone loves Mac and Cheese, seriously, everyone!
Ingredients you’ll need:
Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe
Find the FULL Printable Recipe Card with exact measurements below
Step by Step Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the macaroni in boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour to the butter and whisk to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
Step 3: Slowly whisk in the milk and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni to the saucepan and stir to coat the noodles with the cheese sauce. Cook over low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni and cheese is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
FAQs for the best stovetop Mac:
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe? Absolutely! Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells, penne, or any favorite pasta works. Just adjust the cook time as needed.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While Macaroni and Cheese is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta separately and combine it with the reheated sauce for a delicious meal.
Can I use different types of cheese? Yes! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use mild or medium cheddar instead of sharp cheddar. You can also use different kinds of cheese such as Gouda, Monterey Jack, Fontina, or even Gruyère. Those are all good melting cheese.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free? To make this Macaroni and Cheese gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a thickener. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the seasonings and cheese, are also gluten-free.
Additions and Substitutions:
Substitutions:
- Pasta: Substitute elbow macaroni with penne, fusilli, or rotini. Adjust cook time as needed.
- Flour: Use gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
- Cheese: Try Gruyère, mozzarella, Colby Jack, or Swiss instead of cheddar and Parmesan.
- Dijon Mustard: Replace with 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder, adjust to taste.
Additions:
- Crispy Bacon: Crumble over top for smoky crunch.
- Sautéed Veggies: Add bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Diced Ham or Chicken: Stir in cooked meat for a heartier dish.
- Bread Crumb Topping: Add before baking for a crispy finish.
What to Serve this Macaroni and Cheese:
Mac and cheese goes with just about anything, but here are some of our favorite pairings. Serve it with Smoked Sausage and Potatoes for a filling, down-home dinner, or add something fresh like my Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad. It’s also a great side with Loose Meat Sandwiches or Bacon Chicken Ranch Sliders.
Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni in boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente.Drain and set aside
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour to the butter and whisk to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the saucepan and stir to coat the noodles with the cheese sauce. Cook over low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni and cheese is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
Nutrition
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What an awesome homemade Mac and cheese recipe! Love all the real ingredients and step by step direction with pics! Thank you
Thank you! Mac and cheese is always a hit here!
I’ve never had Mac and cheese, it looks delicious! Saved for later!
You need to try some Mac and cheese!! đŸ™‚
Oooh I love a good mac and cheese recipe!!
Me too, you can never go wrong with cheese and pasta!