Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipe: Simple Homemade Joy

Crafting the ultimate stove top macaroni and cheese brings pure comfort right to your kitchen.

Creamy textures melt together with sharp cheddar and smooth cream cheese.

Pasta lovers rejoice in this quick and simple dish that beats boxed versions hands down.

Rich flavors burst through each cheesy bite, promising satisfaction in under 20 minutes.

Professional chefs know simple ingredients can create magic on a weeknight.

cheese lovers understand the power of a perfectly balanced sauce that coats every single noodle.

Dig into this irresistible recipe that will make you the hero of dinner tonight.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can swap cheddar with other melting cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for varied flavors.

• How can I make the mac and cheese creamier?

Add an extra splash of milk or a dollop of cream cheese to increase the creaminess and richness of the sauce.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free pasta to create a gluten-free version.

• What if my sauce becomes too thick?

Simply whisk in a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Stove Top Mac and Cheese That Feels Like Home

• Boost Family Meal Excitement: Create a crowd-pleasing dish that brings everyone together with its creamy, cheesy goodness and simple preparation that kids and adults will love.
• Master Quick Comfort Cooking: Learn a straightforward recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a delectable meal in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or sudden hunger pangs.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by switching cheese types, adding mix-ins like bacon or vegetables, or experimenting with different spice levels to match your taste preferences.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single-pan recipe that delivers maximum flavor without creating a mountain of dishes to wash afterward.

Ingredients for Classic Stove Top Mac & Cheese

• Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for capturing creamy cheese sauce.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create smooth sauce foundation.
• Milk: Creates silky, creamy texture for the cheese sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that delivers classic mac and cheese flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Garlic Powder, Mustard Powder, Salt, Pepper: Enhance overall flavor profile and add depth to the cheese sauce.

Easy Steps for Stove Top Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook macaroni in a large pot of salted water according to package directions. Once the pasta reaches an al dente texture, carefully drain in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Create a Smooth Butter Base

In a spacious saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until it becomes completely liquid and starts to shimmer slightly.

Step 3: Craft the Flavor Foundation

Sprinkle flour into the melted butter and whisk vigorously.

Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to develop a rich, golden roux that will thicken the sauce.

Step 4: Pour and Whisk Milk

Slowly stream milk into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.

Continue stirring until the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

• Garlic powder
• Mustard powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir the spices thoroughly to distribute evenly throughout the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Melt Cheese into Silky Goodness

Drop cheese into the warm sauce, stirring until it melts completely and creates a luxurious, glossy texture.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every single pasta piece gets coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Transfer the mac and cheese to serving dishes while hot. Enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness immediately.

Tips to Make Your Stove Top Mac & Cheese Shine

• Rinse pasta briefly in cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping, ensuring perfect texture every time.
• Choose sharp cheddar for extra flavor punch, or experiment with gruyère and white cheddar for gourmet twist.
• For creamier consistency, grate cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded varieties which contain anti-caking agents.
• Add protein boost by mixing in diced ham, crispy bacon bits, or cooked chicken for complete meal.
• Make gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free pasta.

Creative Variations on Stove Top Mac and Cheese

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly option.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Mix in diced chicken, crispy bacon bits, or cooked ground turkey to boost protein content. Sprinkle with extra shredded cheese.
• Veggie-Loaded Option: Add roasted broccoli, diced bell peppers, or sautéed spinach for extra nutrition. Incorporate cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.
• Vegan Cheese Adaptation: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast, cashew cheese, or plant-based cheese alternatives. Use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk.

Pairing Ideas for Stove Top Mac and Cheese

• Comfort Family Feast: Gather the whole family around the table and serve this creamy mac and cheese as a hearty main dish with crispy green salad on the side.
• Gourmet Topping Adventure: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, or toasted breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese to add exciting texture and extra flavor layers.
• Quick Lunch Companion: Pack this mac and cheese in a thermos for a delicious work or school lunch that stays warm and comforting throughout the day.
• Protein Power Boost: Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken or diced ham to transform this classic side into a complete and satisfying meal with added protein.

How to Keep Stove Top Mac & Cheese Fresh

• Refrigerate leftover macaroni and cheese in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Cool the dish completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer to a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness.
• Label the container with the date of preparation for easy tracking.

Quick Homemade Stove Top Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Classic macaroni and cheese delivers creamy comfort straight from your kitchen. Cheddar-rich sauce coats tender pasta, offering a simple yet satisfying meal that connects families around the dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk (120 milliliters)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (57 grams)

Thickening Agents:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Boil macaroni in salted water for 8-9 minutes until al dente, then thoroughly drain in a colander.
2. Melt butter in a spacious saucepan over medium heat until it becomes frothy and slightly golden.
3. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking vigorously to create a smooth, pale blonde roux.
4. Pour milk slowly into the roux, continuing to whisk constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky texture.
5. Incorporate garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
6. Reduce heat to low and gradually add shredded cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a glossy, velvety sauce.
7. Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, gently turning to coat each pasta piece thoroughly.
8. Allow mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting flavors meld and sauce thicken slightly.
9. Remove from heat and let stand for one minute before serving hot, ensuring a creamy, luxurious consistency.

Notes

• Customize the cheese blend by mixing sharp cheddar with gruyère or monterey jack for a more complex flavor profile.
• Prevent grainy texture by using room temperature cheese and adding it gradually while stirring continuously.
• Keep extra milk nearby to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick during cooking.
• Boost nutritional value by stirring in roasted cauliflower or steamed broccoli florets for added vegetables.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg