Name: Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8
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 ground 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.

a pot of stovetop macaroni and cheese with a wooden spoon in it.

Easy, Cheesy and Full of Flavor

This is it, y’all! The dinner that’s always a winner! Easy, cheesy, and full of flavor. This creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese is on rotation with my Baked Mac 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…

Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese by The BakerMama

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 kids 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 or a holiday meal. And it makes for such a great dinner when served in the middle of a top-your-own Mac & Cheese Board with a variety of toppings like bacon, green onions, broccoli, hot sauce and more.

A blend of cheddar and American 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.

Watch Me Make Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

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

Pick Your Pasta!

I love using the large, thick cavatappi pasta for this creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe because that shape of noodle is easier for the kids 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!

Homemade Mac n’ Cheese Ingredients and Supplies

(see recipe card at the bottom of this post for measurements and details)

Ingredients:

Pasta – we loved using Cavatappi pasta for this recipe, but feel free to use your favorite pasta!
Shredded cheese blend (sharp cheddar, extra-sharp cheddar cheese, white cheddar, or Monterey Jack work great)
American cheese slices
Milk – I recommend whole milk, but any milk will work. You could also use half and half or chicken broth in place of the milk.
Butter – I use unsalted butter so I can adjust the salt as desired, but feel free to use salted butter if that is what you have on hand.
Garlic powder – You could also use onion powder in place of the garlic powder or a combination of the two seasonings.
Salt
Pepper

Supplies:

Large pot or Dutch oven
Mixing bowl

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 Mac and Cheese

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the 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. Then whisk the flour mixture into the melting butter, a little at a time. Whisk, continuously 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!

Storing Leftovers

How to store leftover macaroni and cheese: Store macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This macaroni and cheese recipe stores great because the cheese sauce is very creamy and reheats well.

How to reheat leftover mac and cheese: Reheat in a microwave-safe dish in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through the heating time, or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a pot on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk or chicken broth, if the sauce seems dry.

How to freeze macaroni and cheese: To freeze leftover macaroni and cheese, let it cool completely and then transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container or plastic bag and place in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How to reheat frozen mac and cheese: When ready to enjoy, let the macaroni and cheese defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then transfer to a pot on the stovetop and warm over low heat until creamy and hot again. If the mac and cheese seems dry, add 1 tablespoon of milk or chicken broth at a time, while it’s reheating, to make it creamy again. You can also reheat defrosted mac and cheese in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through.

You can reheat frozen macaroni and cheese from frozen if you start by freezing it in a microwave-safe or oven-safe container. To reheat from frozen in the microwave, place in the microwave and heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring every minute or so, until heated through. To reheat from frozen in the oven, heat the oven to 350°F and cover the oven-safe dish with foil. Let bake for 45 minutes to one hour covered and then remove the foil and let bake for another 15 minutes or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-shredded cheese? Of course! I love a good convenience. However, some shredded cheeses are packaged with additives that can cause your cheese sauce to be a little grainy. Just make sure it’s a high-quality shredded cheese for optimal melting.
Why else might my sauce be grainy? A grainy cheese sauce can also mean you’re cooking at too high of heat. If the cheese overcooks or burns, it will become grainy.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick? Thin it out with a little milk or chicken broth, adding a tablespoon at a time and whisking continuously until it reaches your desired texture.
What can I do if my sauce is too thin? Add more American cheese. The American cheese is very melty and will help thicken the sauce.

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.

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. If you’re on Facebook, be sure to join my Friends of The BakerMama group to connect and share all the fun and yummy recipes of mine that you make! 😍 I love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the recipes I share. Enjoy!

xoxo,