Stove Top Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Creamy Comfort Food
Why Everyone Loves Stove Top Mac and Cheese
Stove Top Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, this dish is loved by both kids and adults. Unlike boxed versions, homemade stove-top mac and cheese gives you full control over flavor, texture, and ingredients, resulting in a richer and more comforting meal.
What makes this recipe special is its simplicity. You don’t need an oven, fancy tools, or hard-to-find ingredients. In under 30 minutes, you can have a pot of silky cheese sauce coating perfectly cooked pasta, making it ideal for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or quick family dinners.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Pasta
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- Water (for boiling)
- 1 tbsp salt
For the Cheese Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups milk (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra stretch)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of paprika
Optional Add-Ins
- 1–2 tbsp cream cheese (for extra richness)
How to Make Stove Top Mac and Cheese (Step-by-Step)
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add salt generously, then stir in the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente (tender but still slightly firm). Drain well and set aside.
2. Make the Roux
In a separate pot or deep saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour. Cook for about 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes smooth and lightly golden. This roux is the base that thickens the cheese sauce.
3. Add the Milk
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously. This step is important to prevent lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Simmer Until Creamy
Let the sauce simmer gently over medium-low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens slightly and has a creamy texture.
5. Add the Cheese
Lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Add mozzarella if using. Stir until all the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
6. Season the Sauce
Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir well until every piece of pasta is fully coated.
8. Make It Extra Creamy (Optional)
For an extra-rich finish, mix in a spoon or two of cream cheese. This adds depth and makes the sauce even silkier.
Serving Suggestions
Serve stove top mac and cheese hot, straight from the pot. It pairs perfectly with:
- Grilled chicken or fried chicken
- A simple green salad
- Steamed broccoli or peas
It can also be enjoyed on its own as a comforting main dish.
Tips for the Best Stove Top Mac and Cheese
- Always shred your own cheese — pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Keep the heat low when adding cheese to avoid a grainy sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or mustard powder.