Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese – Beats Any Box Mix

I make this stovetop mac and cheese at least twice a month. It is honestly the best mac and cheese recipe I know – just as fast as the boxed stuff but tastes a million times better. The recipe is pretty forgiving too; anyone can make this recipe.

Check out my video recipe below to see exactly how this mac and cheese comes together step by step! If you enjoy easy, delicious dinner recipes like this one, hit that subscribe button for new cooking videos every week.

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Why This Stovetop Mac and Cheese Stands Out

When it comes to comfort food, mac and cheese is at the top of my list, but I got tired of the boxed versions with their powdery cheese packets. This homemade version has changed my fast dinner game completely.

This recipe takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, which means it is actually as quick as the boxed stuff. The difference is in the taste – using real, freshly grated cheese creates a sauce that is creamy, rich, and actually tastes like cheese.

Simple Ingredients for the Best Mac and Cheese

The beauty of this recipe is that you probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen right now.

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or similar type pasta)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole or 2% milk (warmed in the microwave for 1 min)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp ground mustard (*add 1/2 tsp more if you want more of a kick)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly shredded pepper jack cheese

Top Tip: Using freshly shredded cheese makes a huge difference in how well the sauce comes together. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy instead of smooth.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

You do not need any special equipment to make this mac and cheese, just some basic kitchen tools:

• A large pot for cooking pasta
• Medium saucepan for making cheese sauce
• Cheese grater
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander for draining pasta

Step-by-Step Stovetop Mac and Cheese Instructions

Let me walk you through exactly how to make this creamy mac and cheese. The process is straightforward and does not take much active cooking time.

Step 1: Shred all your cheeses and set aside. I usually do this first so they are ready to go when needed.

Step 2: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until the pasta is tender but still has a slight firmness when you bite it. It usually takes about 10 minutes, but check what your pasta package says for the best timing.

Step 3: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once completely melted, add the flour and whisk for about 1-2 minutes until it turns light brown. This mixture is called a roux, and it helps thicken the sauce.

Note: Be careful not to brown the butter-flour mixture too much. If it gets too dark, it can give the sauce an off flavor.

Step 4: Slowly pour in the warmed milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Add a little at a time, making sure each addition is fully incorporated before adding more.

Step 5: Add the salt, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, and black pepper to your sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Cook the sauce over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring regularly until it thickens and starts to bubble. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when it is ready.

Step 7: Remove the pot from the heat and add the shredded cheese in batches. First, add the sharp cheddar and stir until completely melted. Then add the mozzarella and give it a quick mix. Finally, add the pepper jack, stirring until all the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Top Tip: Adding the cheese gradually and off the heat prevents it from becoming stringy or separating in the sauce.

Step 8: Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, then add it to the cheese sauce. Gently fold everything together with a spoon until all the pasta is evenly coated in that creamy three-cheese sauce. Take it off the heat once it is all mixed so the sauce stays nice and creamy and does not get too thick.

The mac and cheese tastes rich and has a strong cheese flavor that comes mainly from the sharp cheddar. The texture is creamy and coats each piece of pasta perfectly without being runny or too thick.

Related Recipe: If you enjoyed this mac and cheese, don’t miss my High-Protein Mac and Cheese with Secret Veggies recipe that keeps all the creamy, cheesy goodness while sneaking in extra nutrition!

Cheese Recommendations for Mac and Cheese

While my recipe uses a combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack, you can experiment with different cheese combinations to find your favorite.

Sharp cheddar provides that classic mac and cheese flavor that most people expect. Mozzarella adds stretchiness and a mild flavor that balances the sharp cheddar. Pepper jack brings a slight heat and extra creaminess.

Here are some other great cheese options:

• Gouda (especially smoked gouda for extra flavor)
• Monterey Jack
• Colby
• Gruyere
• Fontina
• Parmesan (use in small amounts with other cheeses)

Did You Know? Older, aged cheeses have more flavor but do not melt as smoothly. Mixing them with younger, meltier cheeses gives you the best of both worlds – great flavor and perfect texture.

Common Mac and Cheese Problems and How to Fix Them

Even though this recipe is pretty simple, sometimes things can go wrong. Here are solutions to the most common issues:

Grainy or Clumpy Sauce

This usually happens when the cheese is added to a sauce that is too hot or when you use pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents.

To fix it:

• Make sure to remove the pot from the heat before adding cheese
• Add cheese gradually, letting each addition melt before adding more
• Always use freshly grated cheese

Too Thick or Too Thin Sauce

If your sauce is too thick, simply add a splash more milk and stir until you reach your desired consistency.

If it is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or add a bit more cheese.

Bland Flavor

The seasonings in this recipe should provide plenty of flavor, but if you find it bland:

• Add more salt (cheese needs salt to taste its best)
• Increase the ground mustard to 1 teaspoon
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
• Try mixing in different cheeses with stronger flavors

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This mac and cheese is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated with good results.

To store leftovers:

• Cool completely and store in an airtight container
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days
• Do not freeze this mac and cheese, as the texture will change

When reheating:

• Add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave
• Stir occasionally while reheating to redistribute the sauce

Top Tip: If making ahead for a party, make the sauce slightly thinner than normal as it will thicken as it cools and when you reheat it.

Ways to Customize Your Mac and Cheese

Once you have mastered the basic recipe, try these delicious additions:

• Protein: Add cooked bacon, diced ham, or shredded chicken
• Vegetables: Mix in steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms
• Heat: Add a dash of hot sauce or extra black pepper
• Crunch: Top with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
• Herbs: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, chives, or thyme

Easy Dinner Ideas You’ll Also Love

If you’re like me and love cozy, satisfying meals like this stovetop mac and cheese—the kind you can make fast, in one pot or pan, then you’re going to love these other weeknight favorites too. Here are a few more no-fuss dinners my family keeps asking for:

• Protein-Packed Healthy Mac And Cheese – Love mac and cheese but want something a bit more filling? This version is packed with protein (and even sneaks in some veggies) while keeping all that creamy, cheesy flavor we crave.
• One-Pan Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese – This is basically the meatball version of comfort in a bowl. Everything cooks together in one pan—cheesy mashed potatoes, savory meatballs, and no extra mess. Just like mac and cheese, it’s warm, filling, and kid-approved.
• Tuna Potato Casserole! – If you’re into rich, creamy dishes like mac and cheese, this one’s for you. It’s full of tender potatoes, hearty tuna, and a cheesy sauce that’s perfect for a comforting dinner—no oven required.

These are the kind of meals that make dinner easy and actually enjoyable. If you’re into creamy, cozy dishes like mac and cheese, definitely give these a try next!