Easy Homemade Stove Top Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

There's nothing quite like the creamy, cheesy goodness of a homemade macaroni and cheese to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. This easy stove top recipe is the ultimate comfort food, delivering a rich and velvety sauce that clings to every bite of tender pasta.

I first made this dish on a whim, trying to recreate the nostalgic flavors of my childhood. With just a handful of pantry staples, it quickly became a household favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, this recipe is as quick as it is delicious. Let’s dive into what makes it so special!

Why You'll Love This Easy Homemade Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese

Get ready to discover your go-to mac and cheese recipe. Whether you're cooking for one, feeding a family, or hosting a crowd, this dish ticks all the right boxes.

First, it's incredibly fast and simple to make. In just 20 minutes, you'll have a creamy, dreamy pasta dish that tastes far better than anything from a box. No baking, no waiting – just instant gratification.

It's also super versatile. Prefer it extra cheesy? Add more cheese! Want a little spice? Toss in some cayenne or paprika. This recipe is a canvas for your culinary creativity.

Did I mention it’s kid-approved? Picky eaters won't be able to resist the cheesy goodness, and parents will love how easy it is to sneak in some extra nutrition by serving it alongside veggies.

Finally, this mac and cheese is budget-friendly. Using everyday ingredients like pasta, milk, and cheese keeps costs low while delivering maximum flavor.

Ready to make your new favorite comfort food? Let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this stove top macaroni and cheese lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect dish.

Start with elbow macaroni or any small pasta shape you like. These shapes are ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. While elbows are classic, shells or cavatappi work wonderfully too.

The star of the show is, of course, the cheese. A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella strikes the perfect balance between flavor and meltability. For best results, grate the cheese yourself – pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s texture.

For the sauce, you’ll need butter, flour, milk, and heavy cream. These ingredients come together to form a béchamel base, which is the foundation of many creamy sauces. Whole milk gives a richer texture, but you can use 2% if that's what you have on hand.

A dash of mustard powder and a pinch of paprika elevate the flavor, adding depth and just a hint of warmth. Don’t skip the salt – it brings out the cheesiness in every bite.

Finally, keep a pot or large skillet handy for preparing the sauce, and a colander for draining your pasta. Simple tools, stunning results.

How To Make This Easy Homemade Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese

Creating this dish is as easy as 1-2-3. Here’s how to make it step by step.

Start by cooking your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside, but reserve about a cup of the pasta water – it can come in handy for adjusting the sauce's consistency later.

While the pasta cooks, prepare your cheese sauce. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in flour to form a smooth paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.

Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and bubbles gently. This is your béchamel base.

Lower the heat and start adding your cheese, a handful at a time. Stir until fully melted before adding more. Once all the cheese is incorporated, season the sauce with mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.

Finally, add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve immediately and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to restore the creamy texture. Heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Avoid freezing this dish, as the cheese sauce can become grainy when thawed. However, the quick prep time means you can whip up a fresh batch anytime you crave it!

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is a blank slate for your creativity. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrients.
• Protein-Packed: Toss in shredded chicken, crispy bacon, or sautéed shrimp for a heartier meal.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute cornstarch for flour in the sauce.
• Cheese Experimentation: Swap the cheddar for Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked cheese for a unique flavor profile.

No matter how you customize it, this stove top mac and cheese is bound to be a hit. Experiment with ingredients and make it your own – there’s no wrong way to enjoy this dish!

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