This stovetop mac and cheese is everything you love about the classic dish — rich, creamy, and packed with gooey Cheddar cheese. It’s made with just a handful of pantry staples and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy evening in.
Whether you’re making it for the kids, craving comfort food, or looking for a dish to share, this recipe is endlessly satisfying. No baking, no fuss — just that nostalgic, velvety macaroni and cheese goodness you know and love. Top it off with breadcrumbs, add protein, or mix in veggies to make it your own!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
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2 cups milk
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2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain well.
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While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper until the mixture forms a smooth paste.
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Gradually add milk to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble — about 5–7 minutes.
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Reduce heat to low, then add the shredded Cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and creamy.
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Add the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, and stir until evenly coated. Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 470 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Classic Comfort Dish: The Story Behind Macaroni and Cheese
Few dishes hold the nostalgic charm and universal appeal that macaroni and cheese does. For generations, it’s been a staple in family homes, beloved by children and adults alike. Whether it’s served as a main course or a hearty side dish, mac and cheese has earned its spot as one of the ultimate comfort foods.
The Simple Macaroni and Cheese recipe is a testament to the beauty of basic ingredients used well. It’s a creamy, cheesy, and soul-satisfying dish that doesn’t rely on expensive components or complicated techniques. Instead, it makes use of common pantry items — butter, milk, flour, pasta, and cheese — in a way that transforms them into a rich and velvety classic.
Unlike boxed varieties filled with preservatives and artificial coloring, this version is homemade from start to finish, offering a much fresher flavor and texture. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, made better by the fact that it comes together quickly and effortlessly.
Why Simple is Often Best
The phrase “less is more” rings especially true with this dish. Part of what makes this macaroni and cheese so special is its simplicity. It’s not overloaded with multiple cheeses, spices, or fancy techniques — and it doesn’t need to be.
This recipe takes a straightforward approach to creating a creamy cheese sauce that coats each piece of pasta perfectly. The base starts with a roux — a mixture of butter and flour — that thickens the milk and creates a smooth, luxurious consistency once cheese is added.
For those new to cooking or simply short on time, this is a forgiving and beginner-friendly recipe. The ingredients are easy to find, inexpensive, and familiar. No rare cheeses, no fancy equipment. Just a saucepan, a spoon, and some everyday kitchen staples.
Customizing Your Macaroni and Cheese
One of the best features of this recipe is how easily it can be personalized. While the base version is made with just sharp Cheddar, the dish acts like a blank canvas. You can add extra ingredients or substitute different cheeses to suit your preferences.
Some popular customizations include mixing in other cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for a creamier texture and a blend of flavors. Craving some heat? A sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a spoonful of Dijon mustard can kick things up a notch.
For those who like texture, toppings such as toasted breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or crispy bacon crumbles can add a delightful crunch when baked for a few minutes in the oven.
You can also turn this into a full meal by adding protein — diced ham, grilled chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms. Vegetables like broccoli, peas, or spinach can also be stirred in for a more balanced plate.
The Power of the Roux
At the heart of this recipe is the roux — the secret weapon behind many creamy sauces in cooking. It’s a simple mixture of equal parts fat (butter) and flour, cooked together until it forms a smooth paste.
In this dish, the roux is the base for the cheese sauce. It thickens the milk and helps the cheese melt smoothly into a creamy consistency. A properly cooked roux makes all the difference between a silky, luscious sauce and a gritty, separated one.
Many home cooks may be intimidated by making a roux, but it’s actually very simple with a little attention. Stirring constantly and controlling the heat ensures it cooks evenly and doesn’t burn. It’s a foundational cooking skill that, once mastered, opens the door to many more delicious recipes like creamy soups, gravies, and other cheesy casseroles.
A Time-Saving Dinner Solution
One of the key benefits of this stovetop mac and cheese is speed. From start to finish, it takes about 25 minutes to prepare — including boiling the pasta and making the sauce. This makes it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners, last-minute gatherings, or whenever the craving for something warm and comforting strikes.
Unlike baked mac and cheese recipes that may require longer cook times and additional steps, this stovetop version cuts out the oven but still delivers the same cheesy satisfaction.
It’s also a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup — another major win, especially on busy nights.
Tips for the Best Results
To make this dish truly shine, here are a few expert tips that elevate it even further:
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Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For a silkier sauce, use freshly grated cheese from a block.
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Use whole milk: For the richest flavor and creamiest texture, opt for whole milk. While low-fat versions work, they won’t deliver the same depth.
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Don’t overcook the pasta: Elbow macaroni should be cooked just until al dente — tender but with a slight bite — so it holds up when mixed with the sauce.
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Taste and season: While the base recipe includes salt and pepper, you can add other spices or seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or even a dash of hot sauce depending on your palate.
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
Another reason to love this recipe is its flexibility. It can be made ahead of time, stored, and reheated without losing its creamy texture.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring back the sauce’s original creaminess. It’s best reheated gently on the stovetop, though the microwave works in a pinch.
This mac and cheese also freezes well. After cooking, let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and label with the date. It can be frozen for up to six months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it gently.
A Family Favorite for All Ages
Few dishes can match mac and cheese when it comes to universal appeal. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that works for kids, picky eaters, and adults alike. Whether served as a cozy solo meal, a side at a family gathering, or part of a potluck spread, it always finds eager takers.
And because the recipe is so easy to scale up, it’s ideal for batch cooking or meal prep. You can double or triple the quantities and still end up with consistent, creamy results every time.
The Beauty of Homemade Over Boxed
Boxed mac and cheese may be convenient, but it can’t hold a candle to the flavor and freshness of homemade. Once you’ve made this stovetop version, it’s hard to go back.
You have complete control over the quality of ingredients, the amount of seasoning, and the level of cheesiness. You’ll notice the difference in every bite — the way the sauce clings to each noodle, the rich aroma of real cheese, and the satisfying creaminess that only comes from scratch-made food.
Plus, preparing it yourself allows you to adjust it exactly to your taste and dietary needs — lactose-free milk, gluten-free pasta, or plant-based cheese are all easy substitutions.
Conclusion: A Simple Recipe That Delivers Big Flavor
In a world of elaborate recipes and over-the-top food trends, this Simple Macaroni and Cheese recipe is a reminder that sometimes, the best meals are the simplest. It combines humble ingredients into something comforting, delicious, and deeply satisfying.
Whether you stick with the basic version or customize it to your heart’s content, this stovetop mac and cheese is bound to become a go-to in your recipe rotation. It’s fast, flexible, foolproof, and — most importantly — delicious.
Add it to your dinner plans this week and rediscover the joy of a truly great bowl of mac and cheese.