Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Skip the box and make this easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese that’s ready in about 15 minutes. It’s creamy and delicious with so much cheesy flavor. The best part is you only need pantry staples to make this easy recipe that everyone will request over and over!

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Ditch the blue box mac and cheese and try this super creamy stovetop mac and cheese instead! It’s so easy to make and it’s a hit every time I whip up a batch for my family. It tastes so much better than the store-bought stuff too.

We love this cheesy pasta as a side dish for baked chicken legs and meatloaf but it goes with so many things you’ll find all kinds of reasons to make it. Kids will love it as a quick and easy snack or a simple lunch too. You could even pack it in a thermos and send it to school for an extra fun lunchtime. So many reasons to love homemade stovetop mac and cheese!

Why You’ll Love this Stovetop Mac and Cheese

• This dish is ready in about 15 minutes! It’s the best mac and cheese for weeknight dinners.
• Make a hearty stovetop macaroni and cheese with simple ingredients – you probably have most of them on hand already.
• You don’t have to take out the big baking dish or turn on the oven. You can make this cheesy pasta dish on the stove!

You are going to want this mac n cheese recipe the next time a craving hits. You’ll be digging into some rich and creamy pasta in no time at all!

Ingredients for homemade stovetop mac and cheese

• Elbow macaroni – This shape of pasta is perfect for the sauce. The gooey and cheesy mixtures gets trapped inside each piece of pasta so every bite is saucy, creamy, and cheesy!
• Salted butter – You can use unsalted butter, but may want to add a few extra pinches of salt to the finished dish.
• All-purpose flour – When you combine this with melted butter, it makes a roux that thickens the cheese sauce.
• Kosher salt and black pepper – A bit of salt and pepper helps bring out the flavors in this dish.
• Garlic powder – I love the flavor this adds. You can also use onion powder to switch it up.
• Milk – 2% milk or whole milk works best. If you want it extra rich, go with whole milk! You can also use the same amount of evaporated milk if that’s what you have on hand.
• Sharp cheddar cheese – You can also try mild cheddar cheese, white cheddar, or Gruyere for a nuttier cheesy flavor.

What can I add to stovetop mac and cheese?

You can add cooked broccoli florets or cauliflower florets. Stir in some green peas, some fresh spinach, or even add chopped herbs like fresh parsley. You can also make it a main dish by adding ham, bacon, shredded cooked chicken or some cooked taco meat!

How to Make Stovetop Mac and Cheese

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta well in a colander.
2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and seasonings and whisk until the mixture is smooth. Cook it for one to two minutes or until it thickens.
3. Slowly add the milk to the pan, whisking continuously. Once all of the milk cook the mixture over medium-high heat for three to four minutes, stirring it occasionally. After a few minutes, the sauce will start to thicken.
4. Adjust the heat to low and add the shredded cheese. Whisk until the cheese sauce is smooth.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until combined. Let it sit for five minutes so it can thicken before serving.

How to Store Leftover Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator. They will keep for two to three days. When you warm up the leftovers, add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

You can freeze the leftovers if you want, but the texture will likely change once thawed and reheated.

How to Reheat Leftover Macaroni and Cheese

T

Stovetop: Place the macaroni and cheese in a saucepan or skillet. Add a splash of milk (about 1-2 tablespoons per cup) to help restore creaminess. Warm it over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Add more milk if needed until it reaches your desired consistency. Once it’s heated through, remove it from the heat and enjoy.

Microwave: Place the macaroni and cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in a bit of milk, then cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate to lock in moisture. Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until evenly heated. Be careful not to overheat to avoid drying it out. Adding a touch of butter along with the milk can also help restore the creamy texture!

Is baked or stovetop macaroni and cheese better?

I like them both! Baked macaroni and cheese can be just as creamy as the stove version, but it just has the added step of baking it. For quick dinners during the week, I love to make stovetop mac and cheese.

Why is my mac and cheese watery?

If you end up with easy stovetop mac and cheese then you likely added too much milk. It is also possible that you may not have drained the pasta well enough. Make sure that you drain all the water from the pasta before adding it to the cheese sauce.

This easy stove top mac and cheese is so much better than anything you can get in a box. The cook time is quick and it’s so creamy and rich. My kids go nuts for it and I have to admit I do, too! It’s the perfect cheesy side dish.

More Easy Comfort Food Recipes!

• Parmesan Orzo is another quick and easy pasta side dish!
• Meatball Subs topped with lots of melted mozzarella are a great dinner for weeknights!
• Air Fryer Pork Chops have a crispy coating made with breadcrumbs and Parmesan. They are so good!
• Slow Cooker Spaghetti is always a hit! Give it a try for your next pasta night and I know you’ll love it.
• Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs are finger-lickin’ good!

Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

 

4.95 from 18 votes

Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Skip the box and make this easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese that's ready in about 15 minutes and made with pantry staples.

Prep:5 minutes mins

Cook:10 minutes mins

Total:15 minutes mins

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Ingredients

• ▢ 1 pound elbow noodles
• ▢ ½ cup salted butter
• ▢ ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ▢ ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ▢ ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ 3 cups milk
• ▢ 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

• Cook elbow noodles to al dente according to directions on the box. Drain well.
• In the meantime, in another large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, pepper, salt and garlic powder until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.
• Gradually pour in milk, whisking as you add it. Whisk until smooth. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken.
• Turn heat to low and add in shredded cheese, whisk until cheese is melted.
• Pour cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and stir until combined.
• Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken and then serve.

Tips

Pasta Tip: Cook the elbows until they are al dente. This means they will still have a little bit of a bite. The pasta will cook a little more once you add it to the sauce and will end up with the perfect texture!

Ingredient Tip: Like a little heat? Feel free to stir in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce before you add the cheese. Or, try adding a little smoked paprika for a different twist.

Serving Tip: Once the stovetop mac and cheese is thick and creamy serve it right away. If you make it ahead and let it sit the cheese will not be as creamy once it’s cooled.

Storage Tip: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for two to three days. When you warm them up, add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Is baked or stovetop macaroni and cheese better?

I like them both! Baked macaroni and cheese can be just as creamy as the stove version, but it just has the added step of baking it. For quick dinners during the week, I love to make stovetop mac and cheese.

What is a good topping for mac and cheese?

If you want to add a topping and you don’t mind an extra step, place the finished mac and cheese in a baking dish. Sprinkle some seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the top and then place the dish under the broiler for a couple of minutes to toast the topping. 

Can you add other ingredients?

You can add cooked broccoli florets or cauliflower florets. Stir in some green peas or add some chopped herbs like fresh parsley. You can also make it a main dish by adding shredded cooked chicken or some cooked taco meat!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 493kcal (25%), Carbohydrates: 53g (18%), Protein: 18g (36%), Fat: 23g (35%), Saturated Fat: 14g (88%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 65mg (22%), Sodium: 465mg (20%), Potassium: 305mg (9%), Fiber: 2g (8%), Sugar: 6g (7%), Vitamin A: 813IU (16%), Vitamin C: 1mg (1%), Calcium: 332mg (33%), Iron: 1mg (6%)

© Julie's Eats & Treats ®

We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box is calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.