Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese (Easy 20-Minute Recipe)
Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese is the kind of easy side dish that works with almost anything. Tender elbow macaroni is coated in a smooth, rich cheddar cheese sauce for a comforting homemade mac and cheese that comes together in about 20 minutes.
It’s perfect alongside chicken, steak, burgers, sandwiches, BBQ, or your favorite weeknight dinner. And because everything comes together on the stovetop, there’s no baking required.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy stovetop mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, quick to make, and made with simple ingredients. It’s also much more flavorful than boxed mac and cheese while still being easy enough for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, optional
Optional Buttery Breadcrumb Topping
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions for Stovetop Mac and Cheese
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until just al dente.
Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
Return the pot to the stove over medium-low heat.
Add the butter and let it melt. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking. Continue cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken.
3. Add the Seasonings
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard if using.
Reduce the heat to low.
4. Add the Cheese
Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack a handful at a time, stirring until each addition has melted before adding more.
Do not let the sauce boil once the cheese has been added. Keeping the heat low helps the sauce stay smooth and creamy.
5. Add the Macaroni
Return the cooked macaroni to the pot and stir until every piece is coated in the cheese sauce.
If the sauce is thicker than you like, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
6. Make the Optional Breadcrumb Topping
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
Add the panko breadcrumbs and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown.
Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan.
Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs and parsley over the mac and cheese just before serving.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Tips for the Creamiest Mac and Cheese
Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking ingredients that can prevent the sauce from becoming as smooth.
Keep the heat low after adding cheese. High heat can cause the cheese sauce to become grainy or separate.
Cook the pasta just until al dente. It will continue absorbing some of the sauce after everything is combined.
Don’t skip the seasonings. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a little Dijon keep the cheese sauce from tasting flat.
Save some pasta water. It’s an easy way to loosen the sauce if the mac and cheese thickens before serving.
What to Serve With Stovetop Mac and Cheese
This is exactly why I like starting your new side-dish collection with mac and cheese. It can pair with so many of the recipes already on Creative Kitchen Bites.
Serve it with:
- Southern Smothered Chicken
- Alabama White BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Crispy Parmesan Chicken Romano
- Chicken Philly Cheesesteaks
- BBQ Bacon Ranch BLT
- Italian Sausage Sandwiches with Peppers and Onions
- Million Dollar Chicken
Variations
Extra Cheesy: Add another 1/2 cup shredded cheddar.
Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Bacon Mac and Cheese: Stir in cooked crumbled bacon.
Garlic Parmesan: Add 1/4 cup Parmesan along with the cheddar.
Broccoli Mac and Cheese: Stir in cooked chopped broccoli before serving.
Smoky Mac and Cheese: Increase the smoked paprika slightly or use smoked Gouda for part of the cheese.
Storage
Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of milk before warming it gently on the stove or in the microwave. This helps restore the creamy texture.
FAQ for Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Can I make stovetop mac and cheese ahead of time?
You can, but it is creamiest immediately after cooking. If making it ahead, keep the sauce slightly looser than usual and add a little milk when reheating.
What cheese is best for mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar provides the classic flavor, while Monterey Jack helps create an extra-creamy texture. Using both gives you a good balance of flavor and meltability.
Why is my cheese sauce grainy?
The heat was probably too high when the cheese was added. Reduce the heat to low and add cheese gradually.
Can I use only cheddar cheese?
Yes. You can use all sharp cheddar if you prefer. The Monterey Jack simply makes the sauce a little smoother and creamier.
Do I have to use heavy cream?
No. You can replace it with additional whole milk, although the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
This creamy stovetop mac and cheese is especially good with my
Southern Smothered Chicken with Creamy Onion Gravy for an easy comfort food dinner.
For another hearty dinner idea, serve this mac and cheese alongside my
Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites for a quick, flavorful meal.
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