This ultra creamy stovetop mac and cheese made with milk, cheese, butter, & spices is quick, easy and delicious!
Our stovetop mac and cheese recipe is great for a simple lunch, or awesome served as a dinner side dish. Try it with some bbq pulled pork and roasted brussels sprouts!
Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Stovetop Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients for Stovetop Mac and Cheese
- Macaroni – We like elbow macaroni for a classic feel.
- Butter – I prefer salted butter, but you can use unsalted as well.
- Flour – All purpose flour. Do not use self-rising!
- Milk – Whole milk is best, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
- Cheese – Freshly shredded. We used half American cheese and half sharp cheddar.
- Stone ground mustard – Dijon is a good substitute if you don’t have stone ground.
- Dried spices – Paprika, salt, and pepper.
How do you make stovetop mac and cheese? (Step-by-step)
⭐ First, in a large pot over melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook a couple of minutes.
⭐ Then, pour in the milk and whisk to get rid of lumps. Bring to a quick boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer, whisking frequently, until sauce has begun to thicken. Remove from heat.
⭐ Next, slowly stir in cheese until it has melted completely. Whisk in the mustard, salt and pepper.
⭐ Finally, fold in the cooked pasta. Enjoy right away.
Cook butter and flour, add milk. Stir in cheese, then spices. Fold in cooked noodles.
Preparation
Can you make stovetop macaroni and cheese ahead of time?
This recipe is best when enjoyed immediately after making, but if you need to make it ahead just whisk in extra milk or water when re-heating.
Does it taste like mustard?
No! The mustard adds complexity to the flavor but it doesn’t make the dish taste like mustard. You can skip the mustard if you really want, but I really (really) suggest using it.
Can I bake it?
We have a delicious and super easy baked mac and cheese recipe (that requires no boiling!) if you want that, but also, sure. Pop it under the broiler if you’re using a broiler-safe dish if you’d like. Just watch it very closely so it doesn’t burn!
Ohhhh, this might be even better than a cheese pull.
Storage and leftovers
How long does stovetop mac and cheese last?
Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3 – 4 days. The sauce will seize up when it chills, so you’ll want to stir in some extra milk or water when reheating.
How do you reheat the leftovers?
Reheat on the stove top over medium heat, adding milk or water to loosen as needed. Cook just until heated through.
Alternatively heat in a microwave safe dish on high in 30 – 60 second increments. (Whisk in water or milk as needed).
Can you freeze mac and cheese made on the stovetop?
This dish is really best enjoyed fresh, but if it’s a matter of wasting food versus freezing, then definitely freeze it.
To freeze, allow the macaroni to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
Don’t skip the mustard or paprika, it adds just the right amount of extra flavor!
Tips and tricks
🥦 Make it a full meal by stirring in some oven baked chicken and steamed broccoli.
💡 Try substituting the pasta with zucchini noodles for a lighter take.
🧀 Mix up the cheeses! We used half American and half sharp cheddar, but you can try this with whatever cheese combo you love!
Confession: occasionally I add a dash of nutmeg too.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best pasta for macaroni and cheese?
Any pasta will work, but we’re partial to elbows for the nostalgia factor. If I’m feeling fancy, sometimes I’ll use ditalini. (It’s so cute!)
What cheese should you use for the best stovetop mac and cheese?
We used half American and half sharp cheddar. I typically like to use at least half American (or Velveeta) because it has a great texture when it melts, but you can use any combination of cheeses you love.
The most important thing is to use freshly grated cheese whenever possible.
Why isn’t my cheese melting?
If you try to use a pre-shredded cheese it will often not melt properly or clump. This is because shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents (usually some kind of starch) to keep the shreds from sticking together. This can inhibit melting.
If you like a thinner sauce, just whisk in a little more milk. 🥛
What to eat with creamy stovetop mac and cheese (serving suggestions)
This dish goes great with a side of sautéed vegetables or roasted broccoli. For a protein try our baked bbq chicken or parmesan crusted chicken. And with a classic meal, you’ll need a classic dessert like our amazing chocolate chip cookies!
This recipe is great for lunch or as a dinner side.
Other awesome side dishes
- Macaroni salad recipe
- Easy potato salad
- Homemade tuna pasta salad
- Brussels sprouts salad recipe
- More yummy side dish recipes
Roses are red, violets are blue, please pass the macaroni.
More mac and cheese favorites
- Barbecue mac and cheese hot dogs
- Chili mac recipe
- Butternut squash mac and cheese
- Classic macaroni and cheese recipe
Try making it with half gouda. It’s is really really good(a)!
Tools we love
- 6 quart enameled dutch oven – One of my favorite kitchen pieces. Love that it can go from stove top to oven!
- Metal colander set – I know plastic is popular, but I really am partial to my metal strainers.
😍😍😍
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How to Make Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups milk cold
- 4 cups freshly grated cheese
- 1 tablespoon stone ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.
- While pasta is cooking, in a large pot over medium high heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook a couple of minutes.
- Pour in the cold milk and whisk to get rid of the lumps. Bring to a quick boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer, whisking frequently, until sauce has begun to thicken, about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Slowly stir in shredded cheese until it has melted completely. Stir in the mustard, salt and pepper.
- Fold in the cooked pasta and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Need more cheese in your life? Try this awesome chili cheese dip recipe!
Stovetop Mac and Cheese
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Melissa says
Yum – my family goes crazy for this when I make it for them! Great recipe, thanks so much!
Lily says
This was such a delicious dinner, we loved this mac & cheese, so creamy!!
Kim says
This was as creamy as it looks!