Boxed macaroni and cheese certainly has its benefits. It’s inexpensive, easy to make, and generally tasty, but we can do better!
It’s not any harder to make this homemade stovetop mac and cheese, and it’s made from inexpensive ingredients too. The big upside of making your own homemade mac and cheese is that you get to add in fresh milk, butter, and cheese, and adjust the seasonings so that it’s perfect for your hungry family.
If you have a little more time, I suggest you check out my recipe for Velveeta Mac and Cheese. It’s a baked recipe that is super cheesy and satisfying.
You might also like my homemade Hamburger Helper recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients In Stovetop Mac and Cheese
5 ingredients plus a handful of seasonings – this recipe is super easy! Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Elbow Macaroni: Elbows are the classic, favorite shape for mac and cheese! You can use other shapes if you like too. I like to cook the pasta at the same time that I’m making the sauce so that they are both ready at the same time. Butter: Choose unsalted butter so you’ll have more control over the saltiness of the dish. Flour: This thickens the sauce and makes it extra rich and creamy. Seasonings: A combination of garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, salt, and ground white pepper makes the perfect seasoning blend for mac and cheese. Milk: Whole milk or 2% is ideal. Your mac and cheese won’t be creamy enough with skim milk. Cheddar Cheese: If at all possible, shred your own cheese from a block. It’s so much tastier done this way instead of buying it pre-shredded. I’m using half white cheddar and half sharp orange cheddar cheese.
How To Make Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Recipe Tips
Try other cheeses: Cheddar is classic, but a bit of grated parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of flavor that is really nice. if you do this, be sure to reduce the amount of salt that you add. Other melty cheese like Colby, Monterrey Jack, Asiago, or gouda can be substituted for up to half of the cheddar if you’re feeling adventurous. Use other pasta: You can really use any pasta shape you like in your mac and cheese! Small shells, wagon wheels, penne, rigatoni, and other short pasta will all work. White Pepper vs. Black Pepper: White pepper is a bit spicier than black pepper, but also a bit less strong tasting. I like using it here because you don’t see it in the dish.
Storing and Reheating Mac and Cheese
Store leftover stovetop mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm it in a pan over medium-low heat. If it needs a bit of moisture, stir in a splash of water or milk.
What To Serve With Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate side dish to go with fried chicken of all sorts. Try my buttermilk fried chicken tenders, Chick Fil A Chicken Nuggets, air fryer chicken breast, or crispy oven baked chicken tenders. You could also serve this with other kid approved meals like air fryer fish sticks, Instant Pot chicken drumsticks, or BBQ chicken pizza. Add some steamed veggies, blanched broccoli, or a simple side salad to fill out a healthy, balanced meal. Enjoy this super easy, quick mac and cheese recipe! Your family is going to love it so much. © Little Sunny Kitchen
