Stovetop Mac and Cheese

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

FAQs

More Recipes You May Like

• Baked Mac and Cheese.
• Gluten Free Mac and Cheese.
• Air Fryer Mac and Cheese.
• Instant Pot Mac and Cheese – 4 ways.
• Instant Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese.
• Asparagus Macaroni Cheese.

Serving Suggestions

• Vegan Meatloaf or Vegan Lasagna.
• Air Fryer Ham.
• Air Fryer Turkey Breast or these Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs.
• Air Fryer Green Beans or Air Fryer Mushroom Steaks.
• Oven Baked Chicken Tenders.

Recommended Tools

• An easy to use dutch oven for even cooking.
• A great selection of kitchen utensils for making cooking easier.
• The best sea salt flakes of your life.
• A good grater for freshly grated cheese.
• Spices to upgrade your food

Thank you for reading my creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog. 

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