If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious cheese dish without spending hours in the kitchen, this Quick & Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe is your new best friend. It combines simple pantry staples with an easy technique that yields a perfectly cheesy, velvety sauce enveloping every tender piece of macaroni. Whether you’re making a weekday dinner or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate in just about 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but crucial for building that rich, creamy texture and bold cheesy flavor. Each one plays a special role, from the sharpness of the cheddar to the smoothness provided by evaporated milk.
- 1 pound uncooked macaroni: Choose classic elbow macaroni for perfect cheese hold or use your favorite small pasta shape.
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick): Adds creaminess and helps create a roux base for your sauce.
- 1/4 cup flour: Combines with butter to thicken the sauce for that luscious texture.
- 2 (12 ounce) cans evaporated milk: Provides richness and a velvety body, making the sauce smooth without heaviness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a subtle hint of warmth and depth to the cheese sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder: Enhances the sharpness of the cheese, balancing flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese: The star of the show, delivering rich flavor and gooey melt.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick that complements the cheddar perfectly.
- Pepper (to taste): Finishes the dish with a gentle bite; freshly cracked is best.
How to Make Quick & Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. The salt is critical because it seasons the pasta while it cooks. Add your macaroni and cook it just until al dente—firm but tender—according to the package instructions. This ensures the pasta holds its shape without becoming mushy once mixed with the cheese sauce.
Step 2: Make the Roux
While the pasta cooks, melt your butter in a separate pot over medium heat. Stir in the flour and keep it moving for about 3 to 5 minutes until it turns a light golden color. This roux thickens the sauce and gives it a delicate, buttery flavor, so don’t rush this step.
Step 3: Whisk in Evaporated Milk and Seasonings
Slowly pour in the evaporated milk while whisking continuously. This prevents lumps and helps your sauce become creamy and smooth. Add in garlic powder, mustard powder, and salt to elevate the flavor complexity. Cook the mixture for a few minutes until it begins to thicken, but watch it carefully because it can thicken faster than you expect.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheeses
Remove the pot from heat and immediately mix in your freshly grated cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Stir gently but thoroughly until the cheeses melt completely, creating a luxurious, cheesy sauce that’s ready to envelop your pasta.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Drain the macaroni and add it into the cheese sauce pot. Toss everything together to ensure every piece of pasta is coated. Season with freshly cracked pepper and, if needed, a bit more salt to taste. Serve it up immediately for the creamiest, most indulgent macaroni and cheese experience.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra grated parmesan on top just before serving for added flavor and an inviting appearance. Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley bring a pop of color and a hint of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the cheesy richness.
Side Dishes
Pair this mac and cheese with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables to balance out the hearty creaminess. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple side of garlic bread work wonderfully alongside this comforting dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the mac and cheese in individual ramekins with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, then broil them for a golden crust. You can also mix in cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms to make it feel even more special and personalized.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Quick & Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It thickens as it cools, so a splash of milk or cream before reheating helps bring back that creamy texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Place cooled mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Reheating
Reheat your mac and cheese on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little milk or cream and stirring frequently to prevent sticking or drying out. Using a microwave works too—heat in short bursts and stir in between to keep it creamy.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
Yes, but evaporated milk gives the sauce a richer and creamier texture with a slightly caramelized flavor that’s hard to replicate with regular milk. If you substitute, consider using half-and-half or adding a touch of cream for richness.
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is fantastic for its bold flavor and meltability, while parmesan adds a lovely nutty undertone. You can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles, but stick to a cheese that melts smoothly.
How can I make the dish gluten-free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken your sauce. Be sure your pasta is also gluten-free to keep the entire dish safe and delicious.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Absolutely! Stir in cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, or even cooked seafood right before serving to create a heartier meal the whole family will love.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids usually adore creamy, cheesy dishes, and this mac and cheese is mild but flavorful. For picky eaters, try mixing in a little more cheese or serving it alongside their favorite proteins or veggies.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly satisfying about a warm bowl of mac and cheese, and this Quick & Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe brings that comfort straight to your table with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for busy nights, family gatherings, or whenever you need a little cheesy hug in a bowl. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to recipe!
Print
Quick & Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Quick & Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese recipe is a comforting classic that comes together in just 30 minutes. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, it uses evaporated milk and a blend of cheddar and parmesan cheeses to create a luscious sauce without the need for baking. Perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner that satisfies both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound uncooked macaroni
Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 (12 ounce) cans evaporated milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cheese
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Seasoning
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In another pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour continuously and cook for 3-5 minutes until the mixture turns golden, which will thicken the sauce and remove the raw flour taste.
- Add the Milk and Seasonings: Slowly whisk in the evaporated milk to avoid lumps. Then whisk in garlic powder, mustard powder, and salt. Cook the mixture for a few minutes until the sauce begins to thicken, being careful not to over-thicken.
- Incorporate the Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly grated cheddar and parmesan cheeses until completely melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and toss thoroughly to coat. Adjust seasoning with pepper and additional salt if needed. Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.
Notes
- Using evaporated milk gives the sauce a rich creaminess without adding extra fat from cream.
- Freshly grating your cheeses results in better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded.
- To avoid the sauce getting too thick, watch it closely during the thickening process and remove from heat promptly.
- This dish is best served immediately as the sauce may thicken further if left to sit.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
