Homemade Mac and Cheese on the Stovetop. This irresistibly cheesy macaroni recipe comes together quick and easy. Not to mention the homemade cheese sauce is thick and creamy. Use your favorite cheese to make this a dish the whole family will love!

Smooth and creamy, this Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese comes together in less than 30 minutes on the stovetop. This is the perfect family dinner! It also doubles as a side dish and pairs wonderfully with BBQ meats, like this smoked pulled pork.

Wooden spoon serving up cheesy macaroni noodles. this recipe

How to make Homemade Mac and Cheese on the Stovetop:

  1. Cook pasta: add the macaroni noodles to a pot of boiling hot water. Cook about 5 minutes until noodles are al dente (have a slight chew to them). Strain and rinse the noodles with cold water to stop the cooking. 
  2. Prepare roux: melt butter, stir in flour and spices. Let this cook briefly, 2-3 minutes. 
  3. Stir in milk and let this cook for several minutes. The sauce will thicken while it cooks. Let cook at a gentle simmer. 
  4. Remove from heat and stir in cheese and the cream cheese. 
  5. Add the cooked noodles, stir to coat in the sauce.

Ingredients & Possible Substitutions for Stovetop Mac and Cheese:

  • Butter: a fat is needed for creating the sauce. Oil can be used as a substitute if needed for dietary reasons, however, butter is recommended if possible for flavoring.
  • Flour: all purpose flour is used for creating the sauce, this makes the cheese sauce nice and thick. If needed some substitutions are: cornstarch, tapioca, flour, or a gluten free all purpose flour.
  • Milk: any type of milk will work in this recipe. Keep in mind that a dairy whole milk will provide a creamier sauce. You could also use a half and half (half cream, half milk mixture)
  • Cream Cheese: this ingredient is added to add stabilization to the cheese sauce. This helps prevent the sauce from breaking during reheating if there are leftovers. It also creates a smooth, creamy finish to the sauce. If needed it can be left out but keep in mind that reheated leftovers will be a bit greasier.
  • Cheese: Use your favorite cheese! A blend of cheeses using a sharp cheddar and parmesan is a great blend. Other options would be to use a gruyere, or a sharp white cheddar.
  • Seasonings: use more or less to taste.
Step by Step how to make stovetop Mac and cheese.
Pot filled with homemade Mac and cheese.

Customize with Additions:

  • Veggies: broccoli, peas, spinach, artichoke hearts, 
  • Meats: chicken, sausage, hot dogs, bacon, 
  • Seasoning: sprinkle on some paprika, cajun seasoning, Italian breadcrumbs, etc. 
  • Cheese: my preference is a combination of sharp cheddar and fresh parmesan. Other options would be: gruyere, Monterey Jack, pepper jack.

Important Tips:

  • Don’t use preshredded cheese: the cheese you buy in the bags has a powder substance that can affect how the cheese melts. 
  • Use whole milk or add a splash of cream to help get a nice thick cheese sauce. 
  • Add in cream cheese. You see that cream cheese is an ingredient in the recipe card. This is to help stabilize our cheese sauce, since we’re using real cheese. It makes it so that when you reheat your leftovers, the sauce doesn’t separate and become greasy.
Up close showing creamy homemade cheese pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • How do you store leftover Mac and Cheese? Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • How do I reheat macaroni and cheese? The best way to reheat is in a pot or skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Due to the cream cheese in this particular recipe the sauce should be stabilized and not separate, which is usually why reheated Mac and cheese is greasy.
  • Can Homemade Mac and Cheese be frozen? Yes this Mac and cheese can be frozen. Store in a freezer safe container. For best results freeze for 1-2 months.

More Family Friendly Dinner recipes to enjoy:

Up close showing creamy homemade cheese pasta.

Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Author: Serene
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
4.91 from 20 votes
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Smooth and creamy, this easy homemade Mac and cheese comes together in less than 30 minutes on the stovetop. 

Ingredients

  • water
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 12 ounces dried elbow macaroni noodles

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp ground mustard
  • ¼ tsp ground white pepper
  • 2½ cups milk, whole
  • 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 ounces fresh parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 2 ounces cream cheese

Instructions

  • Bring a medium size pot of water to a boil over medium heat. Stir in 1 tbsp salt. Add macaroni noodles and boil for about 5 minutes until noodles are al dente (still have a slight bite).
  • Strain the noodles and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
  • In a large pot melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour.
  • Add the seasonings. Stir to combine. This will be a thick paste. Cook for 3-5 minutes to cook the flour.
  • Pour in milk. Whisk to combine. Cook at just below a simmer for about 5-7 minutes, while continuing to stir occasionally. Sauce will thicken and be able to coat a spoon.
  • Remove from heat, then stir in cheeses while they melt. Then add in the cream cheese and stir until that is completely melted.
  • Add the cooked macaroni noodles to the cheese sauce. Stir to coat the noodles.
  • Serve warm and enjoy.

Video

Equipment

Notes

Storage:
  • Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator 3-5 days. Leftovers can be reheated in a heat safe container in the microwave. Or in a small saucepan over low/medium heat. 
  • Freezer options: this can be frozen in a freezer safe container. For best results use within 1-2 months. However, can be stored for 3-4 months. To thaw place in the refrigerator overnight. Then reheat in a saucepan over low/medium heat. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1, Calories: 281kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Cholesterol: 66mg, Sodium: 639mg, Potassium: 175mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 753IU, Calcium: 330mg, Iron: 1mg
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