The Ultimate Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe

Nothing says comfort quite like a bowl of creamy, homemade mac and cheese. While the boxed version might be a pantry staple, this stovetop mac and cheese recipe will show you just how easy (and incredibly delicious) it is to make from scratch. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a pot of luxuriously creamy, cheesy pasta that will make you wonder why you ever reached for the boxed stuff.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into something magical. The sauce is velvety smooth, rich with real cheese flavor, and coats every piece of pasta perfectly. Best of all, it’s endlessly customizable – whether you’re a sharp cheddar purist or want to experiment with different cheese combinations, this recipe provides the perfect base for your mac and cheese adventures.

Ingredients

For the Perfect Mac and Cheese:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni (or your favorite short pasta)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese, freshly grated
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and fresh black pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but adds wonderful depth)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package directions until just al dente – it will continue cooking slightly in the sauce. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Start the Sauce
   While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. This roux will be the base of your creamy sauce.
3. Create the Base
   Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the Cheese
   Remove the pan from heat and stir in both kinds of cheese gradually, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
5. Combine and Finish
   Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to combine. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

Pro Tips

• Always grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
• For extra creaminess, replace ½ cup of milk with heavy cream.
• Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.
• Don’t skip the Dijon mustard – it enhances the cheese flavor without making the dish taste like mustard.

Delicious Variations

• Bacon Mac: Add crispy chopped bacon and a handful of green onions
• Spicy Mac: Mix in diced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper
• Deluxe Mac: Add sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions
• Southwest Mac: Stir in black beans, roasted corn, and diced tomatoes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the sauce separate.

Can I make this ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can make it up to 2 days ahead. When reheating, add a bit of milk or cream to bring back the creamy consistency.

What’s the best cheese combination?
Sharp cheddar and Gruyere offer a perfect balance of flavor and meltability, but feel free to experiment! Fontina, Gouda, or even a bit of crumbled blue cheese can create exciting flavor profiles.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

This stovetop mac and cheese recipe proves that homemade is not only better but also just as convenient as the boxed version. The creamy, cheesy goodness will have everyone coming back for seconds, and the versatility means you can make it different every time.

We’d love to hear about your mac and cheese adventures! What cheese combinations did you try? Did you add any special ingredients? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Looking for more comfort food classics? Try our Baked Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumb Topping or our One-Pot Cheeseburger Mac for another quick and easy dinner option.