Delicious, creamy stovetop macaroni and cheese in a bowl with melted cheddar, garnished with herbs, showcasing a rich cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta.
Rich and creamy stovetop macaroni and cheese with melted cheddar—an easy, comforting meal perfect for any occasion.


If you're looking for a quick, delicious, and affordable alternative to boxed macaroni and cheese, this ultimate stovetop mac and cheese recipe is perfect for you. Forget spending a fortune on gourmet ingredients — this simple recipe uses basic pantry staples and comes together in just under 30 minutes. Whether you're making dinner for your family or just need comfort food after a long day, this recipe will quickly become your go-to.

Why This Macaroni and Cheese is the Best

This recipe stands out for several reasons:
- Easy to make: With just a few ingredients and steps, you’ll have cheesy perfection in no time.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust it to suit your taste preferences or add extra ingredients to make it even more delicious.
- Affordable: No need for fancy cheeses — basic cheddar works wonders!

Let's dive into the recipe, along with helpful tips and customizations that will elevate your mac and cheese game.

Ingredients for Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

- 1 (8-ounce) box of elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (you can substitute with 2% or any milk you have on hand)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (grated from the block for best results)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick)

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor

- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for a tangy twist)
- 1 cup cooked bacon pieces (for a smoky, salty bite)
-1 cup steamed broccoli (to add some green and balance)
- 1 cup diced ham (to make it a complete meal)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Macaroni

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add your elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Al dente means the pasta should be tender but still firm to the bite.

Pro Tip: To make a thicker mac and cheese, reduce the amount of water slightly when boiling the macaroni. The starch left behind helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.

Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Make the Roux

While the macaroni is boiling, you can start on the roux. A roux is the base of any good cheese sauce — it helps thicken the sauce and ensures it's rich and creamy.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes a golden paste. This step is crucial because it cooks out the raw flour taste.

Tip: Don’t rush this step, as undercooked flour will affect the flavor of your cheese sauce.

Add the Milk

Once the roux is ready, slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture starts to thicken and bubble, about 3-5 minutes. Make sure the heat is medium to prevent the milk from burning.

Add the Cheese

Now it's time for the star ingredient: cheese! Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded cheddar, a little at a time, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.

Tip: For the creamiest mac and cheese, always grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting smoothly.

Once the cheese has melted, stir in the salt, black pepper, and any optional seasonings (garlic powder and cayenne pepper, for example). Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Combine the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

Finally, add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Gently stir to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy, cheesy goodness. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the mac and cheese sit for a few minutes before serving — the sauce will thicken as it cools slightly.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Optional: How to Bake Macaroni and Cheese

Although this is a stovetop recipe, you can easily turn it into baked mac and cheese for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Transfer the prepared mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.
3. For a crispy topping, sprinkle bread crumbs mixed with a little melted butter and Parmesan cheese on top.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Tip: Add some crushed crackers or fried onions on top for even more crunch.

How to Store and Reheat Mac and Cheese

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the mac and cheese in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the creamy texture. Stir gently until heated through.

You can also freeze mac and cheese for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To thaw, move the mac and cheese to the refrigerator overnight and reheat as usual.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about homemade mac and cheese is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas to elevate your dish:

Experiment with Different Cheeses

While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to mix and match other cheeses:
- Gruyere for a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
- Parmesan for a sharp, salty kick.
- Mozzarella for a stringy, gooey texture.
- Gouda for a rich, smoky taste.

Add Protein

Transform your mac and cheese into a more substantial meal by adding protein:
- Diced grilled chicken or **rotisserie chicken.
- Ground beef for a cheeseburger-style twist.
- Tuna for a quick, tuna mac and cheese casserole.

Spice It Up

For those who like a bit of heat, you can add:
- A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Jalapeños for a spicy, tangy bite.
- A drizzle of hot sauce or Sriracha to finish.

Healthier Mac and Cheese Alternatives

If you’re looking to make your mac and cheese a bit healthier, there are several ways to lighten up the recipe without sacrificing flavor:

- Use whole-wheat pasta instead of regular elbow macaroni for added fiber.
- Substitute some of the cheese with a lower-fat variety, or use half the amount of cheese and add Greek yogurt for creaminess.
- Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or roasted cauliflower to increase the nutritional value.

Mac and Cheese Add-Ins from the Community

Many home cooks love to personalize their mac and cheese. Here are some of the top suggestions from readers who have tried this recipe:
- “I added garlic powder, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of nutmeg. It gave the sauce a nice depth of flavor.” – Jessica L.
- “Topped it with crushed Ritz crackers and baked it for 10 minutes — amazing!” – Michael S.
- “I threw in some cooked lobster chunks for a special occasion. It was restaurant quality!” – Emily W.

Conclusion

This ultimate stovetop macaroni and cheese recipe is the perfect balance of quick, easy, and delicious. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this creamy dish is a guaranteed hit. And with endless customization options, you can make it your own by experimenting with different cheeses, proteins, or spices.

So, next time you're craving comfort food, skip the boxed version and make this simple yet satisfying homemade mac and cheese. You'll never look back!