Name: Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 pound pasta (I used cavatappi); 4 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon onion powder or garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 3 cups milk; 3/4 cup (6 ounces) American cheese, sliced or shredded; 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

One of our favorite weeknight meals, this easy cheesy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese can be on the dinner table in less than 30 minutes.

Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese by The BakerMama

Easy, Cheesy and Full of Flavor

This is it, y’all! The dinner that’s always a winner! Easy, cheesy, and full of flavor, we make this creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese at least once a week. It never ceases to satisfy! One pot and less than 30 minutes is all it takes to have this tasty meal on the table for the whole family to enjoy…

Watch Me Make Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

Step into the kitchen with me to make this comfort food classic for dinner.

Creamy and Dreamy

This homemade mac and cheese is so creamy and dreamy and makes for great leftovers! That is, if you’re lucky enough to have any! And not just our boys love this mac & cheese. Brandon and I crave it all the time, too!

I like to serve it as the main dish with a side salad or some veggies. Or I make it as a side dish to some barbecued meat. Add a little hot sauce and it’s so good.

A blend of cheddar and America cheeses makes a creamy sauce they can’t resist. That means it’s the meltiest, most flavorful macaroni and cheese recipe around.

A large white bowl filled with macaroni and cheese.

Pick Your Noodle!

I love using the large, thick cavatappi pasta for this creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe because that shape of noodles is easier for the boys to pick up with their forks and it holds the thick cheese sauce so well, but feel free to use your family’s favorite pasta!

What is in Homemade Mac n’ Cheese?

Pasta
Shredded cheese blend (sharp cheddar, extra-sharp cheddar cheese, or white cheddar)
American cheese
Milk
Butter
Garlic powder
Salt
Pepper
Large pot or Dutch oven

Macaroni and Cheese Board

With as many tasty toppings as your imagination can hold, this Mac & Cheese Board turns leftovers into a delicious DIY dinner dream. Everyone will love customizing their own bowl of creamy Mac & Cheese! What will you add to your mac?

How to Make Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

In a large pot or Dutch oven, first boil pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta water off the cooked pasta and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, onion powder, salt and pepper.
In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat and then whisk in the flour mixture, a little at a time, continuously whisking until the mixture is thick and starts to turn light brown, about a minute.
Slowly whisk in the milk and continue to whisk until the mixture starts to thicken, about 3 minutes.
Turn the heat to low and add the cheeses, whisking until melted. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk. If the sauce is too thin, add some more cheese until of desired consistency. Add more salt and black pepper to taste.
Stir in the cooked macaroni until thoroughly coated. Serve and enjoy!

Comfort Foods You Can’t Resist

These family-style dinners will fill ’em up with comfort and good food!

The Best Beef Stew: A hearty, warm meal that’s made with fresh ingredients and whole lotta love.
Great Grilled Cheese: A warm, melty grilled cheese with a crisp butter outside and a gooey melted center is the ultimate comfort food.
Crowd-Pleasing Turkey Lasagna: Gather the family around the table for the comfort of a hot, delicious meal. Fresh herbs, creamy cheeses, and ground turkey make this pasta dish a labor of love that everyone will enjoy.

How to Store Leftover Macaroni and Cheese

Store macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

If you make this Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese, be sure to snap a picture and share it with me or tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see. I love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the recipes I share. Enjoy!

xoxo,