Name: Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
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

If there’s one comfort food that always delivers, it’s Stovetop Mac and Cheese. Imagine skipping the box and whipping up a rich, velvety, homemade version in just 15 minutes with ingredients you likely have in your kitchen right now. Each creamy bite bursts with real cheddar flavor and just a hint of garlic, wrapping you in coziness. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or an irresistible side, this recipe promises to be a delicious game-changer you’ll crave again and again.

Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making the perfect Stovetop Mac and Cheese starts with a handful of uncomplicated but crucial ingredients. These staples come together seamlessly for a creamy, hearty dish that’s satisfyingly cheesy and deeply flavorful—each one matters for just the right taste and texture.

Elbow noodles (1 pound): Their classic curved shape catches every drop of the luscious cheese sauce for bite after satisfying bite.
Salted butter (½ cup): A generous amount of butter is key to a smooth, rich base for your roux and brings unmistakable flavor.
All-purpose flour (½ cup): This thickens the sauce and ensures it clings perfectly to each noodle.
Ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): A pinch adds just the right balance of savoriness and depth.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances every wonderful flavor and keeps your mac balanced.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle layer of flavor that elevates this classic comfort food to crave-worthy status.
Milk (3 cups): Whole milk provides creaminess; don’t skimp here if you want that signature silky cheese sauce.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (8 ounces): The sharper, the better—a robust cheddar gives the mac and cheese its cheesy punch and bold color.

How to Make Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by boiling a big pot of salted water and cook your elbow noodles to al dente perfection—just follow the directions on your box. Want perfect texture? Drain the pasta as soon as it’s ready, because it’ll soften up even more once you add it to the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Roux

While the noodles are bubbling away, melt the salted butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Whisk in the flour, along with black pepper, kosher salt, and garlic powder, until the mixture looks smooth and starts to bubble. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes—this step creates that luscious, creamy base and removes any “raw” taste from the flour.

Step 3: Add the Milk

Slowly pour in your milk while whisking—go nice and steady to avoid lumps. Watch as your sauce transforms into a velvety white canvas. Continue stirring over medium-high heat for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until it thickens slightly. Keep it moving so the sauce stays silky and doesn’t scorch on the bottom.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese

Turn the heat down to low, then sprinkle in your shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Whisk lovingly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is glossy and rich. Get ready—the aroma is going to make you hungry!

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Now for the magic: add your drained pasta into the cheese sauce and stir until every noodle is coated in that gorgeous, cheesy goodness. Let it stand for about 5 minutes off the heat. This brief rest lets the sauce thicken and perfectly hug each noodle. Now it’s ready to serve and savor!

How to Serve Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of chopped parsley can give your Stovetop Mac and Cheese a pop of color and a savory lift. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of smoked paprika or even a handful of crispy fried onions takes it right over the top.

Side Dishes

This mac and cheese shines as a main dish for quick weeknight dinners, but it’s also fabulous alongside barbecue chicken, grilled vegetables, or even a fresh green salad. The creamy richness is balanced beautifully with lighter, tangy sides or a crisp slaw.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, spoon your freshly made Stovetop Mac and Cheese into ramekins and broil for a minute or two with buttery breadcrumbs. Or serve it in a hollowed-out bread bowl for an extra cozy (and edible!) presentation guests won’t forget.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (we won’t blame you if you don’t), pop them into an airtight container and stash in the refrigerator. Your Stovetop Mac and Cheese will keep for two to three days and makes a fabulous lunch or snack later in the week.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, the sauce can sometimes lose a bit of its creamy magic after thawing. If you’d like to freeze it, pack it in an airtight, freezer-safe container and enjoy within one month. For best results, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your mac back to life, reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash or two of milk to loosen the sauce and restore its silky texture. Stir frequently and avoid letting it boil. The microwave works too—just cover the bowl and check every 30 seconds, stirring in a little extra milk as needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Stovetop Mac and Cheese?

Absolutely! While elbow noodles are classic, you can use shells, cavatappi, or even penne. Just be sure to cook them al dente so they hold up well in the cheesy sauce.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?

You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and gives your Stovetop Mac and Cheese the best texture. Pre-shredded cheese can sometimes have added starches that may make the sauce a little grainy.

How do I make my mac and cheese creamier?

The key is whole milk and not overcooking the sauce. You can also add a splash of cream or an extra handful of cheese for even more decadence. Stir in a bit of cream cheese for ultimate silkiness.

Can I spice it up?

Certainly! A few dashes of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika blend beautifully into the sauce. Add them before stirring in the cheese to infuse the whole dish with a gentle heat or smoky note.

What can I add to make it a meal?

Stir in cooked chicken, taco meat, steamed veggies, or even peas for a heartier meal. You can also experiment with mix-ins like sautéed mushrooms or a handful of baby spinach added just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the secrets to truly irresistible Stovetop Mac and Cheese, it’s time to grab your favorite pot and start stirring! Whether it’s a weeknight staple or a comforting side for gatherings, this easy, creamy, flavor-packed dish always hits the spot. Give it a try and make every bite unforgettable—you’ll never look at boxed mac the same way again.