Stovetop Mac and Cheese

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Stovetop mac and cheese is flavorful, creamy, and made with real cheese and a fresh bechamel sauce infused with Dijon mustard and onion powder. This traditional dish can be served as a meal but also makes a tasty side to serve for Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving dinner. 

Suitable for vegetarian and gluten free diets with modifications. Post includes Weight Watchers points.

a portion of stovetop mac and cheese in a black bowl with silver spoon inside

Creamy stovetop mac and cheese is a classic recipe that’s a favorite with kids and adults alike. It’s easy to make ahead for easy meal prep because it reheats well. Serve macaroni and cheese with a few sides to make it the main event.

Pair it with Vegan Meatloaf, this favorite Green Bean Casserole Recipe, these really delicious Easy Yeast Rolls, roasted meats, or your favorite protein to serve it as a side dish. 

Mac and cheese stovetop is easy to make and loaded with fresh ingredients rather than powdered or processed cheese. The flavor and texture are much more intense and creamier than boxed macaroni and cheese. Plus, it’s ready in about the same amount of time.

Macaroni and cheese is simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner that kids will love. And it’s also delicious for serving as a vegetarian option or as a side dish with turkey or ham for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas dinner. 

Just like this White Cheddar Mac and Cheese recipe and this easy Baked Mac and Cheese. So, so much goodness.

And if you prefer you can make it as an Air Fryer Mac and Cheese and serve it alongside some Air Fryer Ham.

top down view of a bowl filled with stovetop mac and cheese

Why Make This Recipe

  • Everyone Loves It – Kids and adults will love this macaroni and cheese for any occasion.  
  • It’s Quick and Easy – Make this easy homemade one pot mac in less than 30 minutes. It’s just as simple as the boxed stuff but way tastier.  
  • It’s Versatile – Make stovetop mac and cheese for a simple, kid-friendly lunch. Serve it as a main dish or a side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any special occasion. 

Some other recipes you might like include these Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and my easy 15 Minutes Lemon Pasta.

Ingredient Notes

  • Macaroni – Elbow macaroni is the most common for homemade mac and cheese stovetop, but you can substitute cavatappi, shells, penne, farfalle or your favorite macaroni shape. Substitute gluten free pasta if desired. 
  • Butter – Use unsalted butter, so you have better control over the dish’s saltiness.
  • Flour – Use all-purpose flour or substitute a one-to-one gluten-free flour.
  • Milk – Whole milk will give you a creamier sauce, but you can use 2% or skim milk if desired or plain unsweetened plant based milk. 
  • Onion Powder – Enjoy the earthy, sweet flavor of onion without chunks of onion. 
  • Cheese – This recipe calls for a combination of white cheddar and sharp cheddar cheese. You can also add parmesan, gouda, or your favorite blend of melting cheeses.
  • Salt and Pepper – Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • Nutmeg – A pinch of nutmeg enhances the flavor of cream based dishes. 
  • Dijon Mustard – Optional, but a touch of dijon mustard enhances the flavor of the mac and cheese.
the completed stovetop mac and cheese recipe ready to serve

Ready to learn how to make this mac and cheese recipe stovetop? Gather your ingredients and I will show you…

How To Make Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

  1. Boil water in a large pot and cook the macaroni to al dente according to package instructions. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
  2. Using the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and continue to cook for about 2 minutes until the flour starts to brown.
  3. Slowly add the milk whisking constantly until a smooth and creamy sauce forms.
  4. Whisk in the onion powder and Dijon mustard and simmer the sauce for 3 minutes or until thickened. 
  5. Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheese, mixing it into the roux until melted and smooth.
  6. Add a pinch of nutmeg and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  7. Return the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
image collage showing the steps for making stovetop mac and cheese

Expert Tips 

  • Always cook macaroni to al dente. The noodles will continue to cook when you add them to the cheese mixture. 
  • Reserve some of the pasta cooking water to help thin the cheese sauce if needed. 
  • Cook the flour and butter mixture until it begins to brown. This will keep the flour from having a raw flavor. 
  • Slowly add the milk and constantly stir so you don’t have any lumps. 
  • Freshly grated cheese will melt smoother than pre shredded cheese. 
  • Use a box grater or the grater attachment on a food processor to quickly grate the cheese. 
  • Whole milk will have the best flavor and creaminess, making your stovetop mac and cheese rich and delicious. 
  • To customize this recipe, stir in cooked chicken, beef, vegetables, herbs, or seasonings. 
  • Nutmeg enhances the flavor of dairy ingredients and will give the dish a certain je ne sais quoi.  
  • Here are some of my favorite things to use to make this delicious dish.
a dark colored bowl filled with stovetop mac and cheese and a serving spoon stuck inside

Delicious Variations

  • Go Gluten Free – Replace the pasta with gluten-free macaroni and use gluten free flour in place of the all-purpose flour. 
  • Add Meat – Stir in cooked chicken, beef, bacon, ham, shrimp, or lobster for more protein and flavor.
  • Make It Healthier – You can easily make this mac n cheese recipe healthier by using whole-wheat pasta, low-fat cheese, or plant-based milk. 
  • Swap The Cheese –You can use your favorite melting cheese. Suggestions include parmesan, gouda, Munster, Colby, Monterey jack, asiago cheese, or white cheddar. Use whatever delicious cheese you love.
  • Add Veggies – your favorite cooked vegetables, such as broccoli or cauliflower, or add chopped spinach for a more balanced meal. 
  • Make It Spicy – Add a bit of pepper jack and a dash of hot sauce for a little spice.
  • Add Your Favorite Seasoning – This simple mac is an easy recipe that can be customized with your favorite blend of spices to make the perfect recipe. Suggestions include smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, dry mustard powder, white pepper
top down view of the completed stovetop mac and cheese served in a bowl with a silver spoon

Prep And Storage

  • Prep Ahead – For easy prep, cook the pasta up to 24 hours in advance and toss the macaroni with a bit of oil or butter to prevent it from sticking together.
  • Store – Leftover creamy stovetop mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Use these brilliant containers.
  • Freeze – Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
    • Defrost – Place in the fridge overnight. 
    • Reheat – On the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir in a bit of water as needed to loosen the sauce. 
a dish of stovetop mac and cheese ready to serve

FAQs

What Are The Best Cheeses For Mac And Cheese?

You can easily adapt this recipe with your favorite melting cheeses. Cheddar and white cheddar are great options, but you can also use parmesan, Gruyere, gouda, fontina, Monterey jack goat cheese, and more. 

Why Is My Easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Grainy?

Adding the cheese at too high of a temperature can cause the cheese to have a grainy texture. To prevent this, use low heat or turn it off completely to add the cheese.  Stir constantly until the cheese is melted. 

Can I Use Lowfat Milk for Macaroni and Cheese?

You can use low fat or even skim milk in this homemade mac and cheese stovetop recipe. The result will not be as creamy as using whole milk. For extra creamy mac, use heavy cream.

the finished stovetop mac and cheese recipe in a serving bowl

More Recipes You May Like

Serving Suggestions

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a portion of stovetop mac and cheese in a black bowl with silver spoon inside
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Delicious stovetop mac and cheese is a comfort food classic!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Western
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 6
Calories: 390kcal
Author: Bintu Hardy

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces (226g) elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup (34g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (473ml) milk
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces (226g) shredded cheese combination of cheddar, white cheddar and parmesan
  • Pinch nutmeg

Instructions

  • Boil water in a large pot and cook the macaroni to al dente according to package instructions. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
  • Using the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and continue to cook for about 2 minutes until the flour starts to brown.
  • Slowly add the milk whisking constantly until a smooth and creamy sauce forms.
  • Whisk in the onion powder and dijon mustard and simmer the sauce for 3 minutes or until thickened.
  • Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheese, mixing it into the roux until melted and smooth.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Return the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
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Video

Notes

  • Always cook macaroni to al dente. The noodles will continue to cook when you add it to the cheese mixture. 
  • Reserve some of the pasta cooking water to help thin the cheese sauce if needed. 
  • Cook the flour and butter mixture until it begins to brown. This will keep the flour from having a raw flavor. 
  • Slowly add the milk and constantly stir so you don’t have any lumps. 
  • Freshly grated cheese will melt smoother than pre-shredded cheese. 
  • Use a box grater or the grater attachment on a food processor to quickly grate the cheese. 
  • Whole milk will have the best flavor and creaminess, making your stovetop mac and cheese rich and delicious. 
  • To customize this recipe, stir in cooked chicken, beef, vegetables, herbs, or seasonings. 
  • Nutmeg enhances the flavor of dairy ingredients and will give the dish a certain je ne sais quoi. 
  • There are XX Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 281mg | Potassium: 247mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 621IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 304mg | Iron: 1mg

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5 from 1 vote

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