Stovetop Mac and Cheese – Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of our Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese. This classic recipe is sure to capture your heart and leave you craving for more. What makes it truly special is the combination of sharp cheddar, parmesan, and cream cheese, creating a sauce that’s smooth, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. Say goodbye to powdered cheese and embrace the homemade goodness that will transport you to comfort food heaven. Trust us, you don’t want to miss out on this cheesy delight!
In our little family, this Stovetop Mac and Cheese has become the ultimate favorite. It all started when my husband took the first bite and his eyes widened with pure delight. From that moment on, this recipe has held a special place in our hearts and has become a go-to dish for cozy family nights. We love gathering around the table, sharing stories, and indulging in this creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s not just a meal; it’s a moment that brings us closer together, filling our home with warmth and love.
Why This Mac and Cheese Recipe Will Win You Over?
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: The combination of sharp cheddar, parmesan, and cream cheese creates a luscious, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to each macaroni noodle. Prepare to be blown away by its indulgent texture.
- Bursting with Flavor: The addition of garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard adds a delightful depth of flavor to the cheese sauce. These aromatic spices take this mac and cheese to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Easy and Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a homemade mac and cheese ready to devour in no time. No need to wait for hours or use complicated techniques. This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you need a comforting meal on the table fast.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340g) dried elbow macaroni noodles
- Water
- 1 tablespoon (15g) salt
- 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- ½ teaspoon (2.5g) garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon (2.5g) onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25g) ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25g) ground white pepper
- 2½ cups (600ml) whole milk
- 6 ounces (170g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 ounces (55g) fresh parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 ounces (55g) cream cheese
Directions:
In a medium-sized pot, bring water to a boil over medium heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the macaroni noodles and cook for about 5 minutes until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water. Set them aside.
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, and ground white pepper. Mix well to create a thick paste and cook for 3-5 minutes to cook off the flour taste.
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to combine. Cook the mixture just below a simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and coat the back of a spoon.
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add the cream cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Add the cooked macaroni noodles to the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat every noodle with the creamy goodness.
Serve the mac and cheese warm, and get ready to experience a taste sensation like no other. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Notes:
- Feel free to customize your mac and cheese by adding crispy bacon, sautéed onions, or diced tomatoes for a flavor twist.
- For a gooey and extra cheesy result, sprinkle some additional shredded cheese on top before serving and broil it in the oven until golden and bubbly.
Indulging in a bowl of our Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cheesy hug. With its rich and velvety sauce, perfectly cooked macaroni noodles, and irresistible combination of cheeses, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re craving comfort on a chilly evening, looking to satisfy a cheesy craving, or simply wanting to bring a smile to your loved ones’ faces, this mac and cheese is the answer. So gather around the table, share laughter and stories, and savor each bite of this homemade delight. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a taste of pure happiness. Give it a try and let this Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese become a treasured part of your culinary repertoire. Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi. The key is to choose a shape that can hold the creamy sauce well.
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
Yes, you can use low-fat milk, but keep in mind that it may result in a slightly less creamy texture. Whole milk provides a richer and more indulgent flavor, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
While it’s best to enjoy the mac and cheese immediately after preparation, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce on the stovetop and cook the macaroni noodles separately, then combine them. This way, you can have a delicious, homemade mac and cheese in a shorter amount of time.

Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 12 ounces 340g dried elbow macaroni noodles
- Water
- 1 tablespoon 15g salt
- 3 tablespoons 42g unsalted butter
- ¼ cup 30g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon 5g salt
- ½ teaspoon 2.5g garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon 2.5g onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon 1.25g ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon 1.25g ground white pepper
- 2½ cups 600ml whole milk
- 6 ounces 170g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 ounces 55g fresh parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 ounces 55g cream cheese
Instructions
- In a medium-sized pot, bring water to a boil over medium heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the macaroni noodles and cook for about 5 minutes until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water. Set them aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, and ground white pepper. Mix well to create a thick paste and cook for 3-5 minutes to cook off the flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to combine. Cook the mixture just below a simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add the cream cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Add the cooked macaroni noodles to the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat every noodle with the creamy goodness.
- Serve the mac and cheese warm, and get ready to experience a taste sensation like no other. It's comfort food at its finest!
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