![- 8 ounces elbow macaroni - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour The main ingredients form the base of your creamy stovetop mac and cheese. The elbow macaroni provides the perfect shape for holding the sauce. The mix of cheeses creates a rich flavor. Sharp cheddar gives a nice bite, while mozzarella makes it gooey. Cream cheese adds smoothness, and Parmesan gives depth. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a bit of heat) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping) Seasonings make a big difference in taste. Garlic powder and onion powder add savory notes. Salt and pepper enhance all flavors. Cayenne pepper is optional but brings a nice kick. Breadcrumbs add crunch if you bake the dish. - Large pot - Whisk - Baking dish (for optional topping) You need a large pot to cook the macaroni and make the cheese sauce. A whisk helps blend the ingredients smoothly. If you want a crunchy topping, have a baking dish ready for the oven. This equipment helps you create the best stovetop mac and cheese. For the full recipe, check out the details above. First, get a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni. Cook the macaroni until it is al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Now, let’s make the cheese sauce. Use the same pot and turn the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt completely. Once melted, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Whisk this for about 1 to 2 minutes to make a roux. Be careful not to let it brown. Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk while whisking. This helps avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Next, lower the heat. Add 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until all the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. It’s time to combine the pasta and sauce. Add the drained macaroni back into the pot. Stir well until the pasta is well coated with the cheese sauce. Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper to your liking. You can also mix in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder for extra flavor. If you like a little heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Enjoy your creamy stovetop mac and cheese! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make your mac and cheese super creamy, focus on the cheese types. I like to mix sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese. Each cheese brings a unique flavor and texture. Sharp cheddar gives a rich taste, while mozzarella adds stretch. Cream cheese makes everything smooth. Use these in equal parts to balance taste. You can adjust the ratio based on your preference, but keep these three in mind for the best results. Clumping can ruin your dish. To keep your sauce smooth, whisk well while adding milk. Start with a small amount of milk. Stir it into your roux on low heat. Gradually add more milk while whisking constantly. This method helps prevent lumps. If you notice lumps forming, keep whisking until the sauce is smooth again. A good whisking technique is key to a silky sauce. You can prep your mac and cheese in advance. Cook the pasta and make the cheese sauce. Combine them, but don’t bake yet. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, reheat it on low heat. Stir in a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. If baking, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake until bubbly. This method saves time and keeps your meal fresh. {{image_2}} You can add fun extras to your creamy stovetop mac and cheese. Vegetables can boost flavor and nutrition. Try adding: - Broccoli florets: Steam them for a few minutes before mixing in. - Peas: These add a sweet pop of color and taste. - Cooked chicken: Shred it and stir it in for protein. - Bacon bits: For a smoky crunch, add crispy bacon. These add-ins make your dish hearty and unique. Feel free to get creative! Switching up the cheeses can change the whole taste. Here are some swaps to consider: - Pepper jack: This cheese adds a nice kick. - Fontina: It melts well and gives a rich, creamy texture. - Gruyère: This Swiss cheese adds a nutty flavor. - Feta: Crumble some in for a tangy twist. Mixing different cheeses lets you explore new flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment! If you like heat, spice up your mac and cheese. Here’s how: - Hot sauce: Just a few drops can warm it up. - Jalapeños: Add fresh or pickled slices for a zesty bite. - Cayenne pepper: A dash in the cheese sauce brings some fire. These spicy options can make your dish exciting. Adjust to your taste for the perfect kick! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To store your creamy stovetop mac and cheese, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Label your container with the date. This way, you won’t forget when you made it. To reheat, just take out what you need. If you want to freeze mac and cheese, cool it completely. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It can stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture smooth and creamy. Avoid freezing mac and cheese with breadcrumbs on top. They can become soggy. To reheat your leftovers, use a pot over low heat. Stir in a splash of milk to keep it creamy. You can also microwave it. Place it in a bowl, cover it, and heat in short bursts. Stir often to warm it evenly. Enjoy your mac and cheese just as good as when you first made it! Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta. Look for brands that match the shape of elbow macaroni. Cooking times may differ, so check the package. Once cooked, follow the same steps for the cheese sauce. The creamy texture remains, ensuring a tasty dish even without gluten. You can store leftovers in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure the mac and cheese is in an airtight container. To keep it fresh, let it cool before sealing. If you need to store it longer, consider freezing it. This can extend its life to about 2 to 3 months. The secret lies in the cheese blend. Use sharp cheddar for flavor and mozzarella for creaminess. Always whisk the milk in slowly to avoid lumps. Stir the sauce until it’s smooth and thick. These steps ensure a rich and creamy stovetop mac and cheese that you will love. For the full recipe, check out the main section. This blog post explored the essential ingredients for perfect mac and cheese, from elbow macaroni to cheese types. You learned how to cook the pasta, make a creamy cheese sauce, and combine both. Tips helped you prevent clumping and steps ensured creaminess. We also covered variations, storage, and answers to common questions. In the end, great mac and cheese is a simple joy. Enjoy creating your favorites!](https://mycookingcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/b427bb83-6452-4682-a787-87431402a47a-250x250.webp)
Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Indulge in cheesy goodness with this easy stovetop mac & cheese recipe! With creamy sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and a hint of garlic, this dish is pure comfort food. Perfect for family dinners or late-night cravings, it's ready in just 30 minutes. Plus, you can add a crunchy breadcrumb topping for an extra twist! Click through to explore this delicious recipe and bring a taste of Cheesy Heaven to your table tonight!