Macaroni and cheese is a creamy, cheesy stovetop dish made with milk, butter, and cheddar cheese. It’s a perfect side for kids and a quick alternative to baked mac & cheese.
I love a creamy, gooey stovetop macaroni and cheese — it’s comfort food at its best. Pasta and cheese are a classic pairing, and a simple stovetop version is quick to make, kid-friendly, and endlessly satisfying.
How to Make the Best Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
This stovetop method skips flour and eggs, keeping the sauce straightforward and focused on flavor. Thickening comes from the cheese and a little patience while it melts into a silky sauce. The result is smooth, creamy mac and cheese that clings to the pasta and tastes fresh.
I started making this for the kids I babysat — picky eaters between 5 and 9 — and the stovetop, ooey-gooey version was always the favorite. It’s soft, saucy, and perfect served hot with simple sides like chicken tenders or steamed vegetables.
Growing up in the 90s, boxed mac and cheese commercials are a nostalgic memory for many of us — but homemade stovetop mac can be even better. Use good sharp cheddar for bold flavor, or mix cheeses if you like to experiment. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly shredded block cheese melts and tastes fresher if you have the time.
Whether you use block or pre-shredded cheese, the technique is what matters: melt gently, stir frequently, and keep the sauce creamy without adding thickeners like flour or eggs.
This Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese is the Best!
This stovetop mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and easy to make. Cheddar is the classic choice and provides a familiar, beloved flavor; I used sharp cheddar to avoid blandness. The recipe is flexible — swap in your favorite cheese or blend multiple types for a more complex sauce. Use whole milk for a creamy texture but avoid adding too much milk so the cheese flavor remains prominent.
Serve this as a comforting side or a simple main for kids and adults alike. It comes together quickly and delivers that nostalgic, saucy macaroni that everyone loves.
Enjoy!
PBJ~
The Best Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese Recipe
4.7 from 11 reviews
- Author: PhillyBoyJay
- Prep Time: 20 Mins
- Cook Time: 10 Mins
- Total Time: 30 Mins
- Yield: 6
- Category: Starch Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy, cheesy stovetop macaroni and cheese, made with milk, butter, and cheddar. A kid-friendly side and a fast alternative to baked mac and cheese.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 1–1/2 Tbs butter
- 3 qts water
- 1–1/2 cups whole milk
- 16 oz sharp shredded cheddar cheese
- 1–1/2 tsps salt, or to taste
- 2 tsps sugar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the macaroni and cook for about 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the milk, butter, cheese, salt, sugar, and pepper. Stir frequently and cook for about 8 minutes, until the cheese has melted into a smooth sauce.
- Stir the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Let the macaroni and cheese simmer for 1–2 minutes more, then serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
GIVE THIS SCRUMPTIOUS, HEARTY RECIPE A TRY — IT’S DELICIOUS!
