Creamy Homemade Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

Nothing beats the cheesy goodness of Creamy Homemade Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese. This easy-to-make dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner. With a rich, cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s better than any boxed version and much easier than baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a fast weeknight meal.

• Creamy & Cheesy: The combination of cheddar and fontina (or Gruyère) cheeses makes this macaroni and cheese extra creamy and flavorful.

• Made from Scratch: Skip the processed stuff—this homemade version uses real ingredients for a much better taste and texture.

• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the cheese blend or add extras like bacon, garlic, or herbs to make it your own.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup butter (50 grams)

• ¼ cup flour (32 grams)

• ¼ tsp salt

• Dash of black pepper

• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)

• 1 cup shredded fontina or Gruyère cheese

• 5-6 cups cooked macaroni (2 ½ – 3 cups dried macaroni)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Macaroni: Boil water in a large pot, adding a pinch of salt. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until smooth. Add the salt, pepper, and slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and fontina (or Gruyère) cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

4. Combine with Macaroni: Gently fold the cooked, drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, mixing until well coated.

5. Serve: Serve immediately while hot, topped with additional shredded cheese, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: Stir in grilled chicken, or chicken sausage for a heartier meal.

• Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, peas, or roasted tomatoes to make it more colorful and nutritious.

• Spicy Mac & Cheese: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of milk and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp blue cheese for a twist.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can make the cheese sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the pasta and combine.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this dish gluten-free.

Can I use almond milk or another dairy-free milk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version, though the sauce may be slightly less creamy.

Can I make this mac and cheese spicier?

Definitely! Add some hot sauce, jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to spice things up.

Conclusion

This Homemade Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and quick to make. With a rich blend of cheeses and a simple, homemade cheese sauce, this recipe will become a family favorite. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a comforting weekend meal, it’s everything you want in a mac and cheese, and so much better than the boxed kind!